Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1913-08-27
THE VALIANTS OF VIRGINIA

look for yeahs. All think that was
mighty bright! Down South we're
too lazy to work over ourselves that
way"
And now over the futtering stand
and the crowd about the barriers, a
stir was discernible. Katharine
looked again at the field. WHO 81
that splendid big old man giving DE-
rections The one who looks like a
lien. He's coming this way now"
That's Major Montague Bristow."
said the judge. He's been master
Of the heralds for years. The tourna-
ment could hardly happen without
the major"
I'm sure I'd like him." she an
swered. What lovely girl he is
talking to-"
1t was Shirley who had beckoned
the major from the lists. She was
leaning over the railing. why has
Ridgeley Pendleton ieft?" she asked
in a low voice isn't he one of the
twelveI"
HE was; but he's i'll. He wasn't
feeling up to it when he came, but
he didn't give up till half an hour
ago. Well have to get along with
eleven knights"
She made an exclamation of dis
may. Poor Ridge, and what a pity!
There have never been less than the
full number. 1t will spoil the royal
quadrille tonight, too. Why doesn't
the committee choose some one in his
place.
"Too late. Besides, he would have
no costume"
Surely that's not so important az
filing the Round Table?",
a Foi
can't be helped"
She bent still closer Listen. Why
not ask Mr.. Valiant? He is our host
tonight. Pm sure he'd be glad to
help out, even without the costume"
"Egad!" he said, pulling his i'm
perial. None of us had thought of
him. He could ride Pendleton's
mount, of course" He reflected a
moment. I'll do 1t. It's exactly the
right thing. You're a clever girl,
Shirley"
He hastily crossed the field while
she leaned back her eyes on the
f1anneled figure-long since recog-
nized-under the purple pavilion. She
saw the committee put their heads to-
gether. and hurriedly enter.
In moments wait, Shirley's
gloved fingers clasped and unclasped
somewhat nervously. The riders had
been chosen long before John VAL
mats coming. If a saddle, however,
was perforce to be vacant, what more
appropriate than that he should fill
it? The thought had come to her
| instantly, bred of an underlying re-
greet, which she had all along cher
ished, that he was not to take part.
But beneath this was a deeper pas
sionate wish that she did not attempt
to analyze, to see him assume his
place with others long habituated
to that closed circle-a place right
| fully his by reason of birth and name
and to tighten the gloomy shadow
that must rest on the thoughts of his
father with warmer SUMMER things.
| She heaved q secret sigh of salts
| faction as the whitehead figure rose
| in acquiescence.
The major returned to the grand
stand and held up his hand for 81
! lence.
"Our gracious Liege," he proclaim
ed, in his big vibrant voice. Queen
of Beauty yet unknown, Lords.
Knights and Esquires, Fair Danes
and gentles all Whereas divers
noble persons have enterprized and
taken upon them to hold jousts royal
and tourney, you are hereby ac-
quainted that the lists of Runny-
mede are about to open for that
achievement of arms and grand and
noble tournament for which they have
so long been famed. But an hour
since one of our noble knights, prick
ing hither to tilt for his lady. was
| beset by a grievous malady. How
ever, lest our jousting lack the royal
number, a new champion hath at
/ To- No hA
| Table Round, who of his courtesy
doth. consent to ride without armor."
A buzz ran over the assemblage.
at must be Pendleton who has de-
faulted," said Judge Chalmers. 81
heard this morning that he was sick.
| Who's the substitute knight, | won
der?
At that moment a single mounted
| herald before the tents blew a long
blast on a silver horn. Their flags
| parted and eleven knights issued to
mount their steeds and draw into line
behind him. They were brilliantly
decked in fleshlings with slashed
doublets and plumed chapeaus, and
short jeweled cloaks dropped from
their shoulders. Pages handed each
long lance which was held per-
pendicular, the butt resting on the
right stirrup.
"why," cried Katherine. otis like
a bit out of the medieval pageant
at Earl's Court Where do you get
/ the costumes?'
Some we make" Judge Chalmers
answered, "but a few are the real
| 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, hid
den ready for the negro instruction,
when John Brown should give the
signal"
Under the pavilion, just for the
fraction of q second, Valiant hesi-
tated. Then he turned swiftly to the
| twelfth tent. It's Flagstaff bore a
| long streamer of deep blood-red
He snatched this from its place,
| flung it about his waist and knotted
| it sash wise. He drew the rose
from his lapel and thrust 1t through
the band of his Panama, Ieaped to
the saddle of the horse the major
had beckoned and with quick
thrust of his heel swung to the END
of the stamping line.