at table, learning to carve and perform other personal services. The next stage was that of squire in which he took care of the weapons of his lord and protected him in battle. Withal, he learned to be brave and honorable as well as skillful in warfare.

Having completed his training, Squire Patrick would have gone through a solemn ritual as a candidate for knighthood. He would have fasted and bathed, making himself clean in mind and body. After confessing his sins to a priest, he watched through the night in the church. Having passed this requirement, he would be ready for the sword to be bound at his side and golden spurs attached to his feet. He knelt before the noble who was conferring the honor. The lord or sovereign struck him a blow on the cheek or shoulder with the flat side of a sword and proclaimed: "Be thou a good and faithful knight!" The new knight then took the oath to protect the helpless and weak, especially womanhood, and to be always generous, fair and just. Such were the ideals of knighthood and chivalry in the days of the early Houstoun knights.

The greatest sport of the times was the tournament, a warlike amusement that trained knights for battle and provided entertainment for people from the highest to lowest classes. Such tourneys were sponsored by kings or other high noblemen. Knights who wished to show their skill and prove their courage came from far and near to compete in this hazardous game.

The jousting took place in a fenced arena called a list. Overlooking the list were raised seats for ladies and dignitaries. Colorful tents were erected by noble spectators and competing knights. Banners and shields hung from tents and trees, adding color to the whole gala scene. Large tournaments in which many contestants entered lasted several days.

The knights jousted in full armor, every part of the body from head to foot being protected by metal. For weapons, the warrior carried a long lance in one hand and a shield in the other. At his side hung a heavy sword or sometimes a battle-axe. A long plume floated from his helmet; the shield was blazoned with his official arms.

Mounted on horseback, the champion and the challenger took positions at opposite ends of the list. At the sound of a trumpet, they galloped at each other, full speed, and as they met, each struck at the other with the point of the lance with terrific force. Often the wood shaft of the lance was shattered by the blow. The object was to knock the opponent from his horse, and