My Lady of Doubt | Page 7

the first row. Don't miss it, man," with
enthusiasm. "'T will be such a sight as has not been witnessed since the
Field of the Cloth of Gold."
"A passage at arms, you mean?"

"Ay! as gorgeous as those of the old-time knights; a fair conceit as I
read the programme. I'd be there now but for the damned orders that
hold me here. If you ride hard you can make the spot before they come
ashore."
There was no reason I should not go, and much in the glittering
prospect appealed to me. Five minutes later I was trotting out of the
Yager camp, pressing passage through the crowds, already headed
southward, the dragoon riding silently at my heels. Mounted men that
day were few, and, doubtless believing we were connected with the
pageant, the jam sullenly parted, and gave us opening, so we reached
the site of the old fort as the barges began discharging their occupants.
A glance about, however, convinced me as to where the lists were to be
run, and I headed my horse in that direction, anxious to gain some point
of vantage, before the throng poured in. Yet, Heaven knows, there were
enough present even then, the green sward overrun, and the few stands
crowded. Quite a considerable space, leading back from the river
landing, had been roped off, and Light Dragoons rode along the lines to
keep out invaders; others guarded the main platform until the more
distinguished guests were seated. Few Philadelphia residents were
present, although I saw some black coats, the crowd being mostly
composed of soldiers bent upon frolic. In the occupied stands, however,
were loyalists in plenty, with a considerable sprinkling of ladies, gaily
attired. I saw all this while striving to spur my horse forward toward
where a band played "God save the King," but should have failed to
make it, had not Major O'Hara caught glimpse of my face above the
press. A moment he stared at me in perplexity, and then with a dab of
his spur forced the black horse he rode against the ropes.
"Damn me if I knew you, Fortesque," he exclaimed cordially. "But
come on through; there's a gate yonder. Fall back now, lads, and let the
officer pass. That's it; ride 'em down if they won't make way. Here's a
spot where you can see the whole field from the saddle."
I was somewhat to the right of the big stand, the restive heels of my
horse keeping the crowd away, and with a clear view as far as the river
bank. O'Hara was too busy to stop long, but I was not sorry, as there

was sufficient occurring to rivet attention. It was, maybe, four hundred
yards down a gentle slope to the water's edge, where the line was
forming. This passageway was lined with onlookers, held back by
numerous guards, while to my left extended a square lawn, perhaps one
hundred and fifty yards each way, surrounded by a double rank of
grenadiers, the bayonets gleaming on their guns. This open space was
equipped with everything needed for the coming tourney, and on three
sides were tiers of raised seats. I had barely observed all this when the
guns of the Roebuck, echoed by those of the Vigilant, began to boom a
salute, and the head of the column of marchers began slowly mounting
the slope. All the bands of the garrison were in front, followed by the
managers, richly attired, with badges of blue and white ribbon on their
breasts. Behind these appeared, in full dress uniform, gleaming with
decorations and medals, the three specially honored guests, the two
generals and the admiral, the others of the gay party following two by
two in long, interesting procession. The costumes worn were as varied
as those of a masquerade, representing all the changes since the days of
chivalry. The whole line glowed with color, and gleamed with steel.
Like some great serpent, glittering in the sun, this procession passed
under the triumphal arches, and disappeared as its members took
prescribed positions on the stands, or in the pavilions bordering the
field of contest. As thus arranged the grouping of colors was most
brilliant. In the front of each pavilion were seven young ladies, attired
picturesquely in Turkish costume, wearing in their turbans those favors
with which they meant to reward the knights contending in their honor.
Behind these, and occupying all the upper seats, were the maidens
representing the two divisions of the day's sports--ladies of the Blended
Rose, and ladies of the Burning Mountain. The first wore a white silk,
called a polonaise, forming a flowing robe, open to the waist; the pink
sash was six inches wide, and filled with spangles; the shoes and
stockings were also spangled,