The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1912-05-19

Oh cacn pAVlllOn were seven young Ia
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 to divi
sions 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 a 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 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 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 proclaiming the challenge. !
knew not who they all were, but they
made gallant show, and overheard
many a name spoken Of soldiers met
In battle-T ord Cathcart, Captain An
DIRE. Major Tarlton. Captain Scott. Ayi
and they fought well that day. those
White and Black knights on the mimic
deld. At last the two chiefs-Lord
Cathcart for the Whites. and Captain
Watson Of the Guards. for the Blacks
were alone contending furiously,
when the. marshal Of the field rushed
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. It was a wild,
Iubilant, yelling mass, so dense as to
be irresistible, even those of as on
horseback being pressed forward.
helpless chips on the stream.
/ endeavored to press back, but my
FESTIVE 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 out lost control, yet even as he
plunged rearing into the air, I saw be-
tore me the appealing face of q wom-
an. How she CHANGED to be there
alone, In the path Of that mob, l
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 struggled with the hard-mouthed
brute under me-a slender, girlish flg-
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 1t 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 hundred yards before the
trembling horse was brought to q
stand. Leaving ] IN to the control Of
the soldier, I sprang to the ground
bearing the lady with me. We were
behind one of the pavilions, facing the
house, and she reeled as DER fee
touched the earth, so that held hel
/ from falling. Then her lashes lifted
and the dark blue eyes looked into M
| face.
You must pardon my roughness,"
apologized, but there was no tim,
for ceremony"
She smiled. flood Of color comm,
back into the clear cheeks, as she
drew slightly away.
Il appreciate that, SIR" frankly
shaking out her rufled skirts, "ant
you have made knighthood real"
Then" ventured, may I hope Il
receive the reward, fair ladyT
She laughed, little tremor of neE
vousness in the sound, but her eye
full Of challenge.
"And what is thatf''
your name; the hope Of better &C
quaintance."
Her eyes swept my uniform ores
tioningly.
you are not Of the garrison?"
NO; courier just arrived from
New York"
'Yet an officer; surely then you vii
be present tonight"
THE privilege Is mine; If sufficient
ly tempted / may attend"
Tempted! How, sirf''
by xour Hedging me a dance"