The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-04-15

In the moments walt, Shirley's
gloved fingers clasped and unclasped
somewhat nervously. The riders had
been chosen long before John Valiant'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 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 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 a grievous malady. However,
lest our jousting lack the royal num-
Der. 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. II heard this
morning he was sick. Who's the sub
sutute knight, I wonder?"
At the moment q single mounted
herald before the tents blew q long
blast on silver horn. Their flaps
parted and eleven knights issued to
mount their steeds and draw INTO line
behind him. They were brilliantly
decked in fleshlings with slashed doub-
lets and plumed chapeaus, and short
5eweled 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 second. Valiant hesitated.
Then he turned swiftly to the twelfth
tent. Its fag-staff 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
1t, through the band of his Panama,
leaped 70 the saddle of the horse the
major had beckoned, and with a quick
thrust of his heel. swung to the end
Of the stamping line.
The field and grand stand had seen
the quick decision, with its instant ac-
ton, and as the hoofs thudded over
the turf, a wave Of hand-clapping ran
across the seats like a silver rain.
Neatly done, upon my word!" said the
Judge. delighted. What a daring
idea! Who is it? Is it-bless my
soul, it Isl"
Katharine Fargo had dropped her
lorgnette with an exclamation. She
stood up, her wide eyes fixed on that
figure In pure white, with the blood.
red Gordon Haunting across his horses
flanks and the single crimson blossom
glowing in his hat.
"The White Knight" she breathed.
"Who is he?"
Judge Chalmers looked ound in sud.
den illumination. II forgot that you
would be likely to know him, he said.
THAT is Mr.. John Valiant Of Damory
Court