The Watertown weekly leader. [volume] (Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis.) 1912-1917, 1914-08-18

often wondered, by the way, what be-
came Of the Second Families of Vir-
ginia."
"Oh, they've mostly emigrated
North" answered Nancy. "The ones
that are left are all ancient There
are families here that don't admit
they ever began at ALL"
Silas Fargo shook his stopped shout
ders with laughter. up North" he
said genially, we've got regular fac
tories that turn out ready-made family
trees for anybody who wants to roost
In one"
And now over the fluttering. stand
and the crowd about the barriers,
stir was discernible. Katharine looked
again at the field who is that splen-
did old man giving directions? The
one who looks like a lion. He's COM
ing this way, now"
That's Major Montague Bristow,"
said the judge. Hes 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 left? ?" she asked
twelve?"
'He was. But he's Ill. 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 dismay.
poor Ridge! And what a pity!
There have never beer less than the
full number. 1t Will spoil the royal
Quadrille tonight, too Why doesn't
the committee choose some one in his
place? Listen. Why not ask Mr.. Va
liant? He is our host tonight. I'm
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 it. It's exactly the right
thing. You're clever girl, Shirley" ,
He hastily crossed the field, while
she leaned back, her eyes on the fan
neled figure-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 VaHant's
coming. If a saddle, however, was
perforce to be vacant, what more ap-
propriate than that he should fill it.?
The thought had come to her instantly.
bred Of an underlying regret, which
she had all along cherished, that he
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 secret sigh Of
satisfaction as the whitehead figure
rose In acquiescence.
The major returned to the grand
stand and held up his 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
Runnymede 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 be-
set by grievous melady. 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. ut
must be Pendleton who has defaulted,"
said Judge Chalmers. 81 heard this
morning he was sick. Who's the sub
stitute knight, I wonder?"
At the moment q single mounted
herald before the tents blew long
blast on q silver horn. Their flaps
parted and eleven knights issued to
mount their steeds and draw into line
behind him. They were brilliantly
decked in feshlings with slashed doub-
lets and Iiumed chapeaus. and short
jeweled cloaks dropped from their
shoulders. Pages handed each long
lance which was held perpendicular.
the butt resting on the right stirrup.
Under,the pavilion. just for the frac-
ton of second, Valiant hesitated.
Then he turned swiftly to the twelfth
tent. It's Flagstaff bore.a long stream
er Of deep blood-red. He snatched
this from its place. flung 1t about his
waist and knotted it sash-wise. He
drew the rose from hisilapel and thrust
1t through the band Of his Panama,
ieaped to the saddle OF the horse the
major had beckoned, and with q quick
thrust of his heel. swung to the end
of the.stampfng line.
The field and grand stand had seen
the quick decision, with its instant ac-
ton and as the hoofs thuddad over