The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1914-07-09
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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 mo-
ment. 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 fan
neled fgure-long since recognized
under the purple pavilion. She saw
the committe 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 fll It?
The thought had come to her instantly,
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
hahituated 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
thAIs. She heaved a secret sigh OF
satisfaSssa1 rs .he ShIte-1%ad agure
rose in acqnescence.
The major returned ~ re HfEaA
stand and held 2p Ais hand for silence.
| Our gracious Liege," he proclaimed,
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 acquainted that the lists Of
RuAnymede are about to open for that
achievement Of arms and grand and
noble tournament for which they have
80 long been famed. But an hour
since one of our noble knights, prick,
ing hither to tilt for his lady, was be-
set by q grievous malady. However,
lest our jousting lack the royal num-
Der, a new champion hath at this last
hour been found to fill the Table
Round, who of his courtesy doth con
sent to ride without armor."
A buzz ran over the assemblage. 1T
must be Pendleton who has defaulted,'
said Judge Chalmers. Il heard this
morning he was sick. Who's the sub
stitute knight, wonder?"
AT the moment q single mounted
herald before the tents blew a long
blast on a silver horn. Their flaps
parted and eleven knights issued tc
mount their steeds and draw into line
behind him. They were brilliantly
decked In f1eshlings with slashed doub
let's and plumed chapeaus, and short
jeweled cloaks dropped from their
shoulders. Pages handed each a long
lance which was held perpendicular
the butt resting on the right stirrup
Under the pavilion, just for the frac
tion of a second, Valiant hesitated
Then he turned swiftly to the twelfth
tent. Its Flagstaff bore long stream
er Of deep .blood-red. He snatched
this from it's place, flung it about his
waist and knotted 1t sash-wise. He
drew the rose from his lapel and thrust
it through the band of his Panama
leaped to the saddle of the horse the
major had beckoned, and with quici
thrust of his heel, swung to the enc
Of the stamping line.
The field and grand stand had seer
the quick decision, with its instant &C
ton, and as the hoofs thudded ovel
the turf, a wave OF hand-clapping raj
across the seats like a silver rain
Neatly done, upon my word!" said thu
Judge, delighted. What a daring
idea! Who is itH Is it-Gless m!
soul, 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
red Gordon Haunting across his horse
fanks and the single crimson blossom
glowing in his hat.
THE White Knight" she breathed
who is he?"
Judge Chalmers looked round in SUE
den illumination. Il forgot that 20
J would be likely to know him, he sait
THAT is Mr.. John Valiant Of Damor
} Court