Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1920-09-13

TvIL times fell upon England in
the year 1348. when the great
49, plague devastated the land. 1t
was during this period that the story
Of Sir Nigel takes place.
The house Of Loring, like many an
other noble family. felt the heavy hand
of misfortune; for after the Barons'
War and lawsuits with Waverly Abbey
the men of the church and the men Of
the law left nothing but the manor Of
TilfOrd for the remaining members OF
the family Lady Ermyntrude and her
grandson Nigel.
Nigel Loring came of race Of
heroes, his grandfather having fallen
at the battle Of Stirling, and his father
in the sea fight Of Sluys. Nigel. his
veins thrilling with the blood of hun
Gred soldiers, was filled with the de-
sire for adventure and combat; having
been trained at the desire of his grand
mother in skill at arms, and courage.
he became also daring rider. AT
times fierce bitterness assaied Nigel
at the thought Of the wrongs done by
the Abbot OF Waverly, whom he be-
lieved had robbed the LOrings of much
of their estate.
On the first day of May. the Festival
Of the Apostles Philip and james. con
sternation reigncd at the Abbey. when
it was found that large pike had
eaten the carp in Abbot Johns fish
pond. Nigel being accused of putting
the pike in the pond. Abbot John and
the sacrist, Brother Samuel, were In
consultation upon the subject. when
they were rudely interrupted by buzz
of excitement among the monks In the
c!oistcr. A white-faced brother flung
open the door and rushing into the
room cried. "Fathcr Abbot, alas, alas,
Brother John is dead, and the Sub
prior IS dead. and the Devil Is loose
in the five virgate field"
Now what the brother called the
"Dev" was great yellow horse. held
n. the Abbey for the debt of his owner.
Franklin Awkward; such horse. 1t was
said was not to be found betwixt the
Abbey and the Kings stables ut Wind
| sor.
It wos a sorry day that brought the
horse to the Abbey. for no one there
could be found who would or could
ride him or conquer him: he had in
deed nearly killed the Brother and the
Subprior
Abbot John and the monks. intent
upon seeing, with their own eyes. this
terrible creature, hurried down the
stairs and gained the wall of the mea-
dow, where looking over its top they
beheld the magnificent horse standing
fetlock deep in the meadow grass. Up
on this wild scene there arrived riding
his pony the young Squire Loring,
small of stature, hut with muscles of
steel. and a soul OF fire; his face.
though tanned with the weather. was
delicate Of feature. His whole appear
ance made him mark for the sight Of
any passer-by. but at the first glance.
the brown face set in its golden hair
and beard. and the daring light Of the
quick, reckless. laughing eyes. made
the one strong memory left behind.
The horse was at the moment tram
p,,ng his latest victim and Nigel spring
ing from his pony. was over the wall
and Mt battle with the creature. prov
ing himself master. Some discussion
arose among the monks as to the kill
ing % the yellow horse. or the giving
him TO Nigel as punishment: the last
suggestion finally won. and Nigel pro-
cesded to further subdue the hereto