The Glenwood post., 1912-08-03
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der the triumphal arches and disap.
peared as its members took prescribed
positions on the stands, or in the pa,
Vilions bordering the field of contest.
AS thus arranged the grouping of col.
ors was most brilliant. In the front
of each pavilion were seven young la.
dies, attired picturesquely in Turkish
costume, wearing in their turbans
those favors with which they meant
to reward the knights contending in
their honor. Behind these, and occu.
pying all the upper seats, were the
maidens representing the two divi,
sions Of the days sports-ladies of the
Blended Rose and ladies of the Burn.
ing Mountain. From the crowd surg.
ing around I beard name after name
mentioned, as famous Philadelphia
bellies were pointed out, not a few fa-
miliar to me. Even as I 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
tance.
Ont into the opening rode the con-
tending knights, attended by esquires
on foot, dressed in ancient habits of
white and red silk. and mounted on
gray horses. From the other direction
appeared their opponents, in black
and orange, riding black steeds, while
to the center advanced the herald
loudly proclaim1ng the challenge. I
knew not who they all were, but they
made a gallant show, and l overheard
many name spoken Of soldiers met
in battle-Lord Cathcart, Captain An
DIRE, Major Tarlton, Captain Scott. Ay!
ard they fought well that day, those
White and Black Knights on the mimic
ield. At last the two chiefs-Lord
Cathcart for the Whites. and Captain
Watson Of the Guards, for the Blacks
were alone oontending furiously,
IN between, and struck up their weap-
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 a wild,
lubilant, yelling mass, so dense as to
be irresistible, even those Of us on
horseback being pressed forward,
helpless chips on the stream.
I endeavored to press back, but my
restive animal, startled by the dig of
the spur, the yells, the waving of
arms, refused to face the tumult, and
whirled madly about. For a 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 chanced to be there
alone, in the path Of that mob,
know not; whero 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 a lady Of the Blended
Rose, a 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 Dra-
goon beside me. even as my horse
leaped. scarcely know what hap
pened, or how It was accomplished
only l had the reins gripped in my
teeth. both my hands free. That in
OF mt Il oh IL
on my arm, swung safely to the saddle,
held to me with q grip Of steel, the
animal dashing forward beneath his
double burden into the open field.
Then the dragoon, 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, a flood of color coming
back into the clear cheeks, as she
drew slightly away.
II appreciate that, SIR" frankly,
shaking out her ruffled skirts, "and
you have made knighthood real"
Then" l ventured, may 1 hope to
receive the reward, fair lady?"
She laughed, a little tremor of ner-
vousness in the sound, but her eyes
full Of challenge.
"And what is that?"
"Your name; the hope Of better 90.
! QuatntaAces"
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