The Cairo bulletin., 1912-06-01
'rNdHT. AcMGLI1s SEQ .Df1

| their nonor. Behlnd these, ana pccu-
! plying all the upper seats, were the
maidens representing the two divi-
| s!ons OF the days sports---ladies OF the
| Blended Rose and ladies OF the Burn
| ing Mountain. From the crowd surg
| ing around heard name after name
mentioned, as famous Philadelphia
| bellies were pointed out, not few ia
miliar to me. Even as ! gazed upon
that galaxy of beauty. half angry that
| Americans should take part IN such a
spectacle OF British triumph, the field
was cleared for the lists, and a sound
| of trumpets came to us from q dis
| lance.
Ont into the opening rode the con-
tending knights, attended by esquires
| on foot, dressed in ancient habits CT
white and red silk, and mounted on
| gray horssa From the other direction
appeared their opponents, in black
and orange. riding black steeds, while
to Ihe center advanced the herald
loudly proclaimtng the challenge. !
Knew not who they al! were, but they
| made q gallant show, and | overheard
| many a name spoken OF soldiers met
n pattle--Lord Cathcart, Captain An
Dire, Major Tarlton, Captain Scott. Ay!
and they fought well that day, those
White and Black knights on the mimic
field. At last the two ehiefs-Lord
| Cathcart for the Whites, and Captain
Watson Of the Guards. for the Blacks
were alone contending furiously,
| when the marina, Of the field rushed
In between, and struck up their wesp-
ons, declaring the contest done, the
honor of each side proven. As the
company broke up. flowing forward to
the great house beyond, the vast
crowd OF onlookers burst through the
/ guard lines, and, like mighty torrent,
swept over the field. 1t was wild,
jubilant, yelling mass, so dense as to
be Irresistible, even those of Us On
horseback being pressed forward,
helpless chips on the stream.
endeavored to press back, bu my
FESTIVE animal, startled by the Dig Of
the spur, the yells, the waving Of
arms, refused to face the tumul., and
whirled madly about. For moment
all but lost control, yet even as he
plunged rearing into the air, saw be-
fore me the appealing face of wom-
an. How she CHANGED to be there
alone, in the path of that mob, I
know not; where her escort had dis
appeared. and how she had become
separated from her party, has never
been made clear. But this saw, even
as l struggled with the hard-mouthed
brute under me-a slender, girlish fig
ure attired as lady Of the Blended
Rose, white, frightened face, arms
outstretched, and dark blue eyes be-
seeching help. Already the front OF
the mob was upon her, unable to
swerve aside because of the thousands
pushing behind. In another moment
she would be underfoot, or hurled into
the air. Reckless of all else, I dug
in my spurs, yelling to the Light Ora.
coon beside me, even as my horse
leaped. | scarcely know what hap,
pened, or how ii was accomplished
only | had the reins gripped in my
teeth, both my hands free. That In.
slant / caught her; the next she was
on my arm, swung safely to the saddle
held to me with a grip Of steel, the
animal dashing forward beneath his
double burden into the open field
Then the Dragon, riding madly,
gripped the bit, and the affair was
over, although we must have gal
loped a hundred yards before the
trembling horse was brought to a
stand. Leaving him to the control OF
the soldier, sprang to the ground
bearing the lady with me. We were
behind one of the pavilions, facing the
house, and she reeled as her feet
touched the earth, so that held her
from falling. Then her lashes lifted
and the dark blue eyes looked into my
face.
You must pardon my roughness."
apologized, but there was no time
for ceremony"
She smiled, food Of color coming
back into the clear cheeks, as she
drew slightly away.
Il appreciate that, cir" frankly
shaking out her ruffied skirts, land
you have made knighthood real"
Then" | ventured. may l hope to
receive the reward, fair lady2"
I She laughed, little tremor of ner
vousness in the sound. but her eyes
full Of challenge.
And what Is that?"
your name; the hope of better &C.
quaintance"
Her eyes swept my uniform ques.
tioningly.
You are not Of the garrison7"
NO; courier Just arrived from
New York"
4, Yet an officer; surely then you will
be present tonight?"
The privilege Is mine: IL sufficient.
ly tempted | may attend"
. tempted! How, sir?"
by your pledging mo dance"
! She laughed again. one hand grasp
Ing the long silken skirt.
You ask much--my name, q better
acquaintance, a dance--all this for
merely saving me from a mob. You
are not modest knight. I fear. SUP.