The Wyandot pioneer. (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1853-1868, 1853-07-14

My heart is given to Alexis--my hand to
Radetskyp
Go down, sweet, to your bridegroom
said the old woman, who was totally deaf
to her complaints; 'or he will seek you
here
Alvina descended to the banquet hall,
uncertain what course to pursue. Escape
appeared impossible, and what little she
knew Of Radetsky convinced her that he
was as pitiless and base as her reputed
father. She sank into seat. pale, inani-
mate and despairing.
At that moment, ere any one present
could say a word, man, white with ter
ror, rushed into the hall, and stammered
out:
My lord count
What is it, fellow, speak?'
The Cossacksp cried the man. And
his information was confirmed by loud
hurrah, OF rather yell, that rose without.
Raise the drawbridge!' cried the count.
Curses ON it, he added, 1 had forgotten
that drawbridge and portcullis every
means Of defence were gone long ago.
sThe Cossacks that are in the court
yard cried second servant, rushing
in.
"A thousand curses on the dogsP cried
Radetsky, drawing his sword. Count,
look to your child, | will to the courtyard
with your fellows, to do what we may
By this time the courtyard of the cas-
tie was filled with uproar and turmoil
The dashing of swords was mingled with
pistol-shots and groans, the shouts of tri-
umph and the shrieks of despair. Alvi-
ma, left alone by her father and Radetsky,
trembled not at the prospect of approach
ing death; she felt only joy at her deliv
erance from the arms Of hated bridge
groom. But when the cracking Of flames
was heard-when lurid light streamed
up against the window-when wreaths oi
smoke began to pour in from the corridors
the instinct Of self-preservation awakened
in her breast, and almost unconsciously
she shrieked aloud for help
Her appeal was answered unexpected
Ily. A tall, plumed fgue dashed into the
room; a vigorous arm was thrown around
her waist, and she was lifted from her feet
Her unknown preserver, unimpeded by
her light weight, passed into the corridor
with affect step. The grand staircase was
already on fire, but drawing his furreo
cloak closely around her, the stranger
dashed through the flames, and bore hel
out into the courtyard. Almost before
she knew, she was sitting behind him .el
fiery steed. The rider gave the anima
the spur, and he dashed through the gate
/ followed by a hundred wild Cossacks
shouting and yelling in the frenzy of thei
triumph.
Gratitude for an escape from dread
full death was now banished from Alvina'
mind by the fear Of a worse fate at tn
hands of these wild men
you have saved my life,' she said t.
her unknown companion, do not max
that life curse. Take pity on an unfor
tunate and sorely prosecuted girl. I hav
no ransom to pay you, but free me, ant
you will earn my daily prayers and bles
sings
Fear nothing answered a deep an
manly voice. No harm shall befall thee
/ swear it on the word of a Cossac
: chieftain.'
l Alvina was tranquillized at once by tn
. evident sincerity of the assurance.
You are alone now in the world, pun
sued the stranger. I strove tosave you
bridegroom, but he fell before reache
; him.
I loved him not, answered Alvins
coldly; 4 mourn him not
Y ou may hate me for the Decd sal
the strange, sand I would fain escape thu
woe; but here, avouch it in the face {
Heaven: Count Willnitz fell by hand
Nv sabre Glove him to the teeth Year
had passed, but could not forget that h
once laid the bloody scourge upon m
J, back!'
'Alexis!' cried Alvina, now recognizin
her preserver.
j Yes, dear, but, unfortunate girl, erie
the Cossack leader, turning and gazing Q
the girl, L feel that thou art lost to N
for ever. I have slain thy father. Lo,
for thee should have stayed my hand, b,
l had sworn an oath of vengeance, and
kept my VOW
r Alexis whispered Alvina, 'he W;
d not my father. He was my bitterest en-,
$ my. Nor am / nobly born. Like you,
1t am an orphan
n Say you SOP shouted the Cossack-
Then thou art mine-mine and forever
JOY of my youth-blessing of my maj
u hood!'
- yes thine-thine OnIy'