The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1921-02-09

-Fne mUnKs or WaverIy Abbey held
Nigel for debts and wrongs against
them and he was hailed before the Alb.
hot for trial, was judged guilty and
sentenced to imprisonment; but when
they would have restrained him, Nigel
drew his sword. which angered the
Abbot. who charged his bowman to
draw his bow and defend holy church
and her DEGREES. Tragedy was immi-
nent, when Samkin Awkward, a famous
archer, came to Nigel's rescue. at once
attaching himself to the young SQuire's
service. and afterward following him
into many dangers.
into the midst now came a man
whose appearance dominated the scene.
This was the famous soldier, John
Chandos, with a message to Nigel Lor-
ing. Said Chandos. HE who comes
to seek the shelter of your roof is your
liege lord and mine, the Kings high
majesty, Edward of England"
While a guest at Tilford Abbey,
ChandOS' stories filled the mind and
heart of Nigel with a stronger desire
than ever for adventure. and he begged
to go as ChandOs' Squire. under the
standards Of the King. Edward of Eng
land. to which ChandOS assented.
Nigel made his arrangements for
leaving home; they were few and
simple, for he had only his Pommers,
his loyal Sam Awkward, and at the
last his long-wished-for suit of armor,
and a small amount of gold
There was. however. one visit must
be made before leaving home and that
was to see Mary, the daughter of the
old Knight of Duplin, living In the
castle at Cosford. Mary of the grave
eyes of brown looking hravely at the
world; the one whom Nigel loved
At the shrine of St. Catherine, Nigel
and Mary said their farewells, and the
young Squire vowed to perform three
noble deeds of valor in her honor ere
he came to see his Mary again; but
that no thought of her should stand
twixt him and this honorable achieve
ment.
Nigel sought constantly for some
deed to perform and lesser ones came
to hand frequently but it was not until
he was at WinShelsea, with Chandos,
that his first great opportunity came.
1t was found that the plans of the
attack upon the French at Calais by
the Princes army had been stolen, and
&hn%
ing Frenchman, called the Red Fer
ret" had taken them and was then
already on his way across the Chan
mel. Nigel started in pursuit with
Aylward and other followers. After
a long chase and hard-fought battle,
Nigel caught the Red Ferret and saved
the English plans; but as his enemy
was so gallant a man Nigel begged his
life Of the King and so saved him. He
sent the Ferret to Mary at Cosford,
with the message that the first deed
was accomplished.
Nigel then stormed the famous castle
Of La Brohinere, where lived the
Knight called the Butcher of Brohi-
nere." who was said never to let
prisoner escape alive from his castle.
Here at great risk of his own life.
Nigel rescued not only his man Sam
Awkward and other comrades. but
young Frenchman who later. however,
died, praising his rescuer. Then news
of the second deed was sent to Mary
at Cosford.
Nigel had followed on with John
Chandos into Brittany when the third
deed was found. There had been hot.
furious fighting. and Nigel. riding Pom
mers, plunged forward, unseating and
taking captive one Of the enemy. Hav-
ing the Frenchman Mt his mercy. Nigel
might have killed him at once. or held
him for ransom, but he had made
gallant fight, and oui of admiration
and pity the young Squire spared his
life and let him go. only to discover
later that e-had--hatl-at~iv
none other than King John of France.
When the Prince heard the story
from King John himself he exclaimed.
"For my part I had rather have the
honor this Squire has gathered. than
all the richest ransOms of France"
Whereupon the Prince with his sword
touched Nigel's shoulder as he knelt
before him, and said, England has
lost brave squire and gained gal
liant knight; nay linger not. rise up,
Sir Nigel" And a third message went
to Mary.
Two months later Nigel arrived at
Cosford, and kissing Mary's welcoming
hand he said. "St. Catherine has
brought me home"
Copyright, 1919. by the Post Publishing Co.
(The Rc ston PosO. Printed by permits
sion c., Id arrangement WI /, Double
day, P-e & Co, authorized publishers.