The north Iowa times. [volume] (M'Gregor [i.e. McGregor], Iowa) 1856-1857, 1856-10-31

peared very docile. The major had
saddled with his own saddle, and shove,
me himself that every part of the horse
gear was in perfect order. He then bad
me accompany the count, who wished t
take ride into the country. But scarcel,
had we got beyond the walls of the tow
when the horse, which had appeared q
docile, began to kick and rear; the sad
dle-girts broke. and the count, although
good horseman, fell and dislocated hi
arm. He might have been killed, fer tn,
road was scattered over with pieces O
rock and pointed stones. Again, how
ever, the count escaped with few bleed
ings and little forced repose. Still,
thought there was nothing but fatality in
all this. Said to myself: There are
persons who cannot change countries
without exposing themselves to perils and
tribulations of all kinds. Count Edmund
is one of that Sort
'Bnt suddenly circumstance occurred
which tore the veil from my eyes. One
day the major, taking me aside, informed
me in mysterious manner that the count
was making love to Julia, and intended
to seduce her. This deceitful communi-
cation did not give me the slightest un-
easiness. Iknew the honor and delicacy
which distinguished Count Edmund, and
I felt sure of the virture of Julia. But
the conduct of the major turned my sus-
picions upon him, and sought to clear
up certain doubts, I commenced by ex-
amining the gun which had burst in firing.
1t was still in the house, and I became
convinced that holes had been designedly
made in the barrel in several places. l
also succeeded in ascertaining that the
horse which had all but killed the young
count, had been bought with the perfect
knowledge that in town it was docile,
while in the open country it became fierce
and uncomfortable, even in the hands of
the most experienced grooms; "4 y"
Il would gladly have spoken out, but
my servile condition prevented me from
venturing. No one would have believed
me. Are men who have no social posi-
ton ever believed? l was silent. then,
both to the young count and the rest of
my aCtu1sih' ohOSS'
I'VE now went-the major, the count,
and myself-to the country retirement of
the deceased countess of P ynski, situated
on the border of some huge Marshes
Encouraged by the major, who never
ceased telling us that we were young,
and that pleasure ought to be our princi-
pal occupation, the count and myself often
boated over the marshes in pursuit of
duck, which wora very abundant there.
/ rowed, and the count shot. Nothing
ever crossed the even tenor of onr sue
ces, and 1 began to think that the fatality
which hovsred over the counts head was
entirely gone. Even the result of my ex-
animation with regard to the burst barrel
and the vicious horse was gradually effac-
ed from my memory, and no longer har-
bored shadow of suspicion.
'One day, the major invited Count Ed
mund to pay visit to nobleman whose
chateau was on the other side of the mar
shes. you will see there, said he, one
of the most magnificent monuments of the
middle age. Besides this attraction, and
the beauty of its situation, the manor
house, which am sure you will admire,
possesses one of the most complete libraries
in Russia This was enough to fx the
determination of the young count. and he
acceded to the majors proposition. Un-
like most men Of his years, the young
count loved study nearly as much as plea
sure and bis knowledge of art and lite
nature rendered interesting to him every
thing that bore the aspect of grandeur or
antiquity.
I'm our passage over the marshes, it
was agreed that we should have some
sport with the wild-ducks; but the major
not caring for the amusement, ssid he
would join us on the other side of the
water.
The count and I took the same little
boat we always used on our aquatic ex-
cursions. When in the middle of the
marsh, our frail bark began filing with
water. I saw the danger, and rowed hard
for the shore. The count grew nervous
he could not swim. do not stir, my
lord,' said; 'there is still hope!' He
did not heed my counsel, threw himself
about, and caused the boat to fill 80 quick
ly, that in few minutes We were under
water. sCling to the boat!' cried I
am coming to you tried to catch hold
of him by the hair, but his terror prevent
cd him from hearing me, and he struggled
for the land. I soon saw him twenty or
thirty strokes from me, battling with the
waters; he appeared, and disappeared
again then finally sank to rise no more.
With an effort, I gained the shore and
called for aid. Some fishermen arrived,
swept the waters, and at the end of an
hour brought mo the corpse Of the unfor-
tuaate young count.
Il was stupefed. l scarcely compre-
ed the nature Of the misfortune had wit
messed. The fishermen, lese excited than
myself, examined the boat, and to their
great surprise, found that its keel was
pierced in several places with borer,
and that the holes had been cleverly con-
cealed by crumbs of black sarrazin bread
A gardener who lived on the border Of
the marshes added, that he had seen the
major at dawn of day inspect the tata
boat with the most minute attention.
Some one had gone in all haste to the
-: II. n-.:,,cJ than ot 0opntI