The Phantom Knights: A Tale of Chivalry

This December 1902 issue of the pulp magazine features "The Phantom Knights: A Tale of Chivalry" by Captain Frederick Whittaker. The opening prologue establishes an atmospheric scene of two identical armored knights meeting mysteriously in a desert valley during a gathering sirocco, suggesting supernatural conflict. The narrative then transitions to medieval Spain during Moorish rule, introducing Don Gonzalo Gonzales, an idealistic young Christian knight, and his pragmatic squire Pepito. Gonzalo encounters a Moorish cavalcade led by Aben Amar transporting the "Maiden Tribute"—likely a levy of Christian women for the Moor court. Despite peace between Castile and the Moors, Gonzalo provokes combat, using superior armor and mounted skill to kill several enemy soldiers before Pepito's unexpected appearance as an Almogavar causes the remaining Moors to flee in panic. Aben Amar rallies his scattered forces.