Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1850-04-12

lated the plous minister, Skovrouski, as its
subdued cries of distress, falling upon his
eager ear, during a temporary cessation of
the storm, attracted his attention to the fro
zen embankment upon which rested the
deserted infant. He hesitated not to re-
| fleet upon the cruel misfortune that had be-
rett the infant of paternal protection nor
did he waste time in the fruitless endeavor
OF discovering those who had abandoned
their offspring to the peltings of the storm.
But, content to acknowledge the myster-
GUS agency of " Him who doeth all things
well" and heareth the young ravens
when they cry" he fled with winged foot
steps to the rescue. Wrapping it in his
ample cloak, he hastened TO reach his
humble home, that he might minister to its
relief ere the spirit had fled to that undis-
covered country from whose bourne no
traveller returns. Arrived at the peaceful
cot, he consigned his tender charge to the
care OF his kind-hearted housekeeper, and
and again sailed forth in search of other
objects for his benevolence. He had not
proceeded far before his attention was
called to the melancholy scene before no.
ticed.
Papers were found upon the unfortunate
stranger which induced the good minister
TO believe that he was the parent of the in
fant which he had rescued from the ruth
less elements of the night before and no
sooner was he impressed with the idea
than the resolution was taken TO adopt the
tender babe as his own daughter, and to
bring it up in the path of duty, and in the
nurture and admonition of the Lord. Or
dering that the last tribute of respect be
paid to the remains, according to the rites
OF the Greek Church, he took charge of
its effects for the benefit of his youthful
protege.
Years passed away, and, under the af-
fectlonate care and protection of the good
pastor and his benevolent companion,
Katharine, (for such she was named by
her foster-parents) increased not only in
personal beauty and loveliness, but as she
grew In years, developed those peculiar
graces and dispositions which become an
amiable and grateful daughter. And soon
she was enabled, by assiduous attention to
the wants of their declining years, to tes-
tify her appreciation Of their selfsacrifc-
ing devotion to her infant days.
The Gar of Russia, not content with
his widely extended dominions, and desi-
rous of the conquest and annexation of the
province of Livonia-had already marched
his forces upon its chief city. Katharine
had attained her sixteenth year when his
formidable cannon announced TO the inof-
fensive inhabitants the bombardment of
their quiet town. With view to her
safety, she was separated from the aged
pastor and sent TO his sister, Alexia. The
patriotic Skovrouski remained to assist in
the defence of his native city. But the eff
forts of the besieged proved fruitless, and
they were compelled to surrender captiyes
of war and subjects of the Emperor of
Russia.
The humiliating news spread like light !
ming, and no sooner did it reach the eager I
ears of Katharine than she determined to
return and share the fate of her benelactor. |.
The dusky shades of evening were just
closing in as horse, reeking with foam,
and almost ready to sink from exhaustion, (
reached the border of the wood nearest /
the gates of Marienburg. Emerging from /
the shade of the trees, Its progress was
suddenly arrested by soldier seizing the I
bride, and rudely demanding
Where are you going 20
What is that to you - was the pc (
remptory reply. " am in haste, and pray
you allow me 10 pass unmolested."
Impossible - replied the sentinel, !
d" thou art Livonian, and now Livonia be- /
longs this day to Peter |, of Russia. You
are, therefore, my prisoner, and must be
conducted before our general"
Arrived at the generals tent, she threw
herself at his feet, and demanded the priv
ilege of seeking her protector among the /
slain. Moved at the sight of her youth, |
and astonished at her courage, the general !
granted her request on condition of her re-
turning to him when she had completed |
her search.
The night was dismal, and the under
taking a fearful one, but the difficulties /
daunted not the resolute Katharine. She /
soon came upon field covered with dead /
by the unequal contest, while the groans
and cries of anguish told that many still
survived the slaughter.
Intent alone upon discovering her more
than father, she did not discover the pres
ence of a young Cossack officer, who,
struck with her charms, and admiring her
boldness, had accompanied her to the CORY /
field.
"The evening air is chilling, and this
is no place for woman; /; pray return, and
leave me to seek your wounded kinsman."
Astonished at the sound of human
voice, she turned and recognised in the
stranger the sentinel who had impeded her
progress without the city walls. Refusing
his generous offer, she permitted him to
aid in her errand of mercy and love.
Innn and tedious WAS the search hnf