The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1860-01-19

his brother officers, "I / am as fully aware
as you of the importance of preventing
communication between the dfferen
French commanders at present in Spain
but we cannot with justice convict this
young man upon the mere assertion of 8
peasant, who may be mistaken through
resemblance, or misled by his fanatica
patriotism.
1t was cheering relief to Leckinsk
to be led back to prison although his
mind was haunted by horrid images and
melancholy forebodings. he nevertheless
fell the second time into profound sleep
Another snare was now laid for him
Amid the silence which prevailed in the
dungeon. the door was again softly open.
ed, and the same harmonious voice which
had addressed him the night before, said
in low voice:
Rise and follow me-you are saved
your horse is waiting
But whilst Benita repeated by rote in
French the words she dared not refuse to
utter, the same warning pressure Of the
wrist aroused his watchfulness.
Four cruel black eyes were watching
the dungeon scene through loop hole in
the wall.
They saw Benita-they heard the
words-the blood thirsty Spanish officers
but Benita's adroitness prevented their
seeing anything more.
At the words you are saved Leck-
inski started up; but the grasp of Ben
ita's slender fingers recalled his pres.
ence of mind he replied as before in
German
What do you say
On being informed of this new temp
tation Castauos urged his immediate lib
GRAFTON; he was again overruled.
In the morning the young Pole was
conducted before a sort of court, com
posed of the officers of Castino's staff
They addressed to him the severest
threats, but firm in his resolution, he ap.
peared not to understand one word which
they were saying. He inquired in Ger
man for an interpreter. One at last was
produced.
He was asked what was the object oil
his journey from Madrid to Lisbon.
He replied by producing the dispatch
es from the Russian Ambassador to Ad-
miral Sinavan. and his passport. And,
but for the unfortunate encounter with
the peasant these proofs might have been
satisfactory, but he was still the object OF
suspicion.
ASK him. said the President of the
Committee, whether he is friendly to
the Spaniards, since he is not French
man.
The interpreter then translated the
question.
Yes. doubtless, replied Leckinski-
l love and respect the noble character
of the Spanards, and 1 wish your nation
and my own were united
Colonel said the interpreter, in
French, the prisoner says he hates us,
and would like to see the nation as one
man, that he might annihilate it with a
single blow
Whilst these words were uttered, the
eyes of the whole assembly attentively
watched the prisoners countenance to
see what effect would be produced by
this new trick, or rather snare. He stood
perfectly unmoved.
Gentlemen said General Castanos,
tappears to me there is no ground for
suspicion against this young man and
therefore he must be set at liberty and
allowed to pursue his journey immedi-
ately.'
Accordingly his arms and dispatches
were restored to him, and the brave
yonng Pole. after passing through a Sc
ries of trials which required almost su-
perhuman fortitude and presence of mind,
went on his way. He arrived safely in
Lisbon, fulfilled his mission, and wished
to return to Madrid But Gen. Junot,
we are glad to say. refused to allow him
to expose himself again to the dangers
he had 50 miraculously escaped.
Leckinski never saw Bonita again
But feeling of gratitude TO the lovely
Spaniard never left him. Leckinski Of
ten told the story to his friends after his
return to Poland. when the war was
over.
Mr.. Calhoun said ten wears ago in the