Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-12-27
You're a clever girl. Shirley

she leaned back, her eyes on the nan
neled figure-long since recognized
under the purple pavilion. She saw the
committee put their heads together
and hurriedly enter.
! In the moments wait, Shirley s
gloved fingers clasped and unclasped
somewhat nervously. The riders had
been chosen long before John Valiants
coming. II a saddle. however, was
perforce to be vacant, what more ap
propriate than that he should fill It?
The thought had come to her instant
+, ly. bred Of an underlying regret, which
she had all along cherished, that he
was not to take part. But beneath
this was deeper passionate wish that
she did not attempt to analyze. to see
him assume his place with others long
habituated to that closed circle-a
place rightfully his by reason Of birth
and name-and to tighten the gloomy
shadow. that must rest on his thoughts
Of his father. with warmer SUMMER
things. She heaved a secret sigh OF
satisfaction as the white-clad figure
rose In acquiescence.
The major returned to the grand
stand and held up his hand for ST.
lence.
"Our gracious Liege." he proclaimed
In his big vibrant voice. Queen OF
Beauty yet unknown Lords, knights
and Esuuires, Fair Danes and gentles
all! Whereas divers noble persons
have enterprized and taken upon them
to hold jousts royal and tourney. you
are hereby acquainted that the lists OF
Funnymede are about to open for that
achievement of arms and grand and
noble tournament for which they have
so long been famed. But all hour
since one Of our noble knights, prick
ing hither to tilt for his lady, was beset
by grievius malady. However, lest
our jousting lack the royal number, q
new champion hath at this last hour
been found to fill the Table Round
who of his courtesy doth consent tc
ride without armor."
A buzz ran over the asesmblage
cit must be Pendleton who has de
faulted," said Judge Chalmers. So
heard this morning he was sick
Who's the substitute knight, won
der?" @.@~
At the moment a single mounted
HERALD before the tents blew a lons
blast on silver morn. Their flaps
parted and eleven knights issued tt
mount their steeds and draw into line
behind him. They were brilliantly
decked in fleshlings with slashed doub
lets and plumed chapeaus, and shor'
ljeweled cloaks dropping from theil
shoulders. Pages handed each long
lance which was held perpendicular
the butt resting on the right stirrup.
| why" cried Katharine, Its like
a bit of the medieval pageant at Earrs
Court Where do you get the cos
ltumes?"
"Some we make" Judge Chalmers
answered, "but few are the rea
thing-so old they have to be patched
up anew each year. The ancient lances
have disappeared. The pixies we use
|now were found in 81 hidden ready fo1
the negro instruction, with Johr
Brown should give the signal"
Under the pavilion. just for the
fraction Of second, Valiant hes1tated
Then he turned swiftly to the twelfth
tent. It's Flagstaff bore long stream
er of deep blood-red. He snatchet
this from it's place, flung it about his
waist and knotted it sashwise. He
|drew the rose from his lapel and thrus
It through the band of his Panama
|leaped to the saddle Of the horse the
major had becHoned, and with quicl
thrust of his heel, swung to the end o
the stamping line.
The field and grand stand had seer
the quick decision, with its instant &C
ton, and as the hoofs thudded over the
turf, wave of hand-clapping raj
across the seats like silver rain
Neatly done, upon my word!' said thu
Judge, delighted. "What a daring
idea! Who is it? 1t is-bless my sou
1t isl"
Katharine Fargo had dropped he
|lorgnette with an exclamation. Sh'
stood up, her wide eyes fixed on tina
figure in pure white, with the blood-re'
Gordon Haunting across his horse
TANKS and the single crimson blossom
glowing in his hat.
sThe White Knight she breathed
''Who is he?"
Judge Chalmers looked round In sud
den illumination. II forgot that yo'
would be likely to know him." he said
"That is Mr.. John Valiant of Damon.
Court"