And now, at last, had come the day of days for Myles Falworth;the day when he was to put to the test all that he had acquiredin the three years of his training, the day that was to disclosewhat promise of future greatness there was in his strong youngbody. And it was a noble day; one of those of late September,when the air seems sweeter and fresher than at other times; thesun bright and as yellow as gold, the wind lusty and strong,before which the great white clouds go sailing majesticallyacross the bright blueness of the sky above, while their duskyshadows skim across the brown face of the rusty earth beneath.
As was said before, the lists had been set up in the greatquadrangle of the castle, than which, level and smooth as afloor, no more fitting place could be chosen. The course was ofthe usual size --sixty paces long--and separated along its wholelength by a barrier about five feet high. Upon the west side ofthe course and about twenty paces distant from it, a scaffoldinghad been built facing towards the east so as to avoid the glareof the afternoon sun. In the centre was a raised dais, hung roundwith cloth of blue embroidered with lions rampant. Upon the daisstood a cushioned throne for the King, and upon the steps below,ranged in the order of their dignity, were seats for the Earl,his guests, the family, the ladies, knights, and gentlemen of thecastle. In front, the scaffolding was covered with the gayesttapestries and brightest-colored hangings that the castle couldafford. And above, parti-colored pennants and streamers,surmounted by the royal ensign of England, waved and fluttered inthe brisk wind.
At either end of the lists stood the pavilions of the knights.
That of Myles was at the southern extremity and was hung, by theEarl's desire, with cloth of the Beaumont colors (black andyellow), while a wooden shield bearing three goshawks spread (thecrest of the house) was nailed to the roof, and a long streamerof black and yellow trailed out in the wind from the staff above.
Myles, partly armed, stood at the door-way of the pavilion,watching the folk gathering at the scaffolding. The ladies of thehouse were already seated, and the ushers were bustling hitherand thither, assigning the others their places. A considerablecrowd of common folk and burghers from the town had alreadygathered at the barriers opposite, and as he looked at therestless and growing multitude he felt his heart beat quickly andhis flesh grow cold with a nervous trepidation --just such as thelad of to-day feels when he sees the auditorium filling withfriends and strangers who are to listen by-and-by to the readingof his prize poem.
Suddenly there came a loud blast of trumpets. A great gate at thefarther extremity of the lists was thrown open, and the Kingappeared, riding upon a white horse, preceded by the King-at-armsand the heralds, attended by the Earl and the Comte de Vermoise,and followed by a crowd of attendants. Just then Gascoyne, who,with Wilkes, was busied lacing some of the armor plates with newthongs, called Myles, and he turned and entered the pavilion.
As the two squires were adjusting these last pieces, strappingthem in place and tying the thongs, Lord George and Sir James Leeentered the pavilion. Lord George took the young man by the hand,and with a pleasant smile wished him success in the comingencounter.
Sir James seemed anxious and disturbed. He said nothing, andafter Gascoyne had placed the open bascinet that supports thetilting helm in its place, he came forward and examined the armorpiece by piece, carefully and critically, testing the variousstraps and leather points and thongs to make sure of theirstrength.
"Sir," said Gascoyne, who stood by watching him anxiously, "I dotrust that I have done all meetly and well.""I see nothing amiss, sirrah," said the old knight, halfgrudgingly. "So far as I may know, he is ready to mount."Just then a messenger entered, saying that the King was seated,and Lord George bade Myles make haste to meet the challenger.
"Francis," said Myles, "prithee give me my pouch yonder."Gascoyne handed him the velvet bag, and he opened it, and tookout the necklace that the Lady Alice had given him the daybefore.
"Tie me this around my arm," said he. He looked down, keeping hiseyes studiously fixed on Gascoyne's fingers, as they twined thethin golden chain around the iron plates of his right arm,knowing that Lord George's eyes were upon him, and blushing fieryred at the knowledge.
