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

To Tie ISuoiliiuiooo puHlSilliOlio, "ieu LIS
flesh lacerated by the scourge, no groan
escaped his lips, that might reach the list
ening ear of Alvina. He bore it all with
Spartan firmness.
Midnight had struck, when the young
countess, shrouded in cloak, and bearing
a key which she had purchased by its
weight in gold, ascended to the eastern
turret, resolved to liberate the prisoner.
The door swung heavily back on its rust
ed hinges, as she cautiously entered the
dungeon. Drawing back the slide from
a lantern she carried in her left hand, she
threw its blaze before her, calling out at
the same time: 'Alexis!'
No voice responded.
They have murdered him!' she muir
INJURED, as she rushed forward, and
glanced wildly around her.
The cell was empty. She sprang to
grated window The bars had been sawn
through and wrenched apart, with the
exception of one from which dangled
rope made of fragments of linen and
blankettwisted together. Had Alexis es-
capped or perished in the attempt? The
moat was deep and broad, but the page
was good swimmer and a good climber,
and his heart was above all proof. There
was little doubt in the mind of his mis-
tress that fortune had favored him. Sink
ing on her knees, she gave utterance to a
fervent thanksgiving to the Almighty
power which protected the hapless boy,
and then retired to her couch to weep in
secret. The next day the castle rang
with the escape of Alexis. Messengers
were sent out in every direction, but a fall
of snow in the latter part of the night
prevented the possibility of tracking him,
and even the dogs that the count put up
on the scent were completely baf1ed.---
The next day the count and his daughter
started on their journey.
CHAPTER II.
For time. at last sets all things even
And if we do but watch the hour,
There never yet was human power
Which could evade, if unforgiven,
The patient search and vigil long
Of him who treasures up wrong.
sa BYRON.
YEARS had passed away. The storm
: of war had rolled over the country, and
the white eagle of Poland had ceased te
wave over an independent land. Count
Willnitz and his daughter had returned
, to the old castle; the former stern anc
harsh as ever; the latter completely in the
power of an inexorable master. She hao
received no tidings of Alexis, and hac
given him up as lost to her forever. Hel
father, straitened in his circumstances
and menaced with ruin, had secured re
lief and safety by pledging his daughter
hand to wealthy nobleman, Count Ra
detsky, who was ow in the castle, await
ing the fulflment Of the bargain.
Go, my child said the count, with
more gentleness than he usually NANTES
, ted in his manner. You must prepare
: yourself for the altar
Father said the young girl, earnestly
f does he know that I love him not?'
5 L have told him all, Alvina.'
!, And yet he is willing to wed mel Sh,
, raised her eyes to heaven, rose, and slow
ly retired to her room
!, Louisa, the old woman presented in th'
first scene of our tale decked the unfor
tunate girl in her bridal robes, and wen
/ with her to the chapel, where her fathe
and Radetsky awaited her. An old prizes
I mumbled over the ceremony, and joine,
g the hands of the bride and bridegroom
l The witnesses were few--only the vassal
+ of the court, and no attempt at festivit,
! preceded OF followed the dismal ceremo
$ ny.
& 5Alvina retired to her chamber when
!! was over, promising to join her bridegroom
at the table in few moments.
: The housekeeper accompanied her.
L give you joy, Countess Radetsky
# said the old woman.
I sorely need it. was the bitter answer
e I have sacrificed myself to the duty I ow
!. my sole surviving parent
~ THE old woman rubbed her hands an
chuckled, as she noted the tone of angus
these words were uttered.
I can now speak out, she said. "a
ter long, silence, the seal is remove
: from my lips. | can now repay you
childish scorn, and bitter jests, by bi
4 terer jest than any you have yet dream
= ed of. Countess Radetsky-'
: Spare me that name,' said the cour
tess.
Nay, sweet, it is one you will bes
: through life,' said the hag, 'and you ha
better accustom yourself early, to i
sound. Know, then, my sweet lady, til;
!, the count, my master, had no claims c
your obedience
Howl
He is childless man. He found yo
L H. Il,