Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1863-09-24


geousness which in that age marked the diff
ference between prince and peasant.
You are the fisherman, Finn"
For the first time, the fisherman and his
wife, in their confusion, saw that there were
grades of rank even among the mobiles who
blazed before them, in what seemed to the
poor peasants almost the majesty Of Heaven.
The parsonage who, in stern voice, uttered
the above question, alone, of ali that brilliant
throng, was seated.
Il am that man." the poor fisherman tremb-
ingly replied.
"You live on the coast of Denmark, near
the village of Logan ?"
Finn bowed assent.
"You extended hospitality to woman and
to two prescribed children?"
81 did"
Without regarding the edict which set a
price on their heads, you not only frustrated
the vengeance of the Danish people, but au-
daciously and alone discomftted and over
turned two boat-loads of soldiers sent in pur-
suit of the fugitives?"
A smile of grotesque triumph at the great
success of an encounter against such fearful
odds, lighted the Danes eye for moment
then a shade of sadness passed over his rough
features.
'tThe tale, though marvellous, is exactly
true"
"And do you know" continued the CUES
toner, with increased sternness in his manner,
"what penalty you have incurred ?"
death !" answered the hero, his form erect,
and his first confusion and fear entirely thrown
off.
And do you know who were the prescribed
whom you dared to save ?"
81 knew her majesty Isabella, the wife of
Christian, my sovereign. know equally well
the two children; for, if their ornaments had
not betrayed them, the edct against them
told me who they were. If [ have merited
death, my life is in your hands"
And the wife of the fearless fisherman
dragged him, almost resisting, to his knees,
beside her A murmur ran through the
assembly-they thought it was their death
warrant.
"Thou hast noble and worthy heart"
Finn, said the interrogation, in kind voice.
" We have but practiced this apparent harsh
ness to be sure of thy indemnity An impos-
tor might have claimed thy good deeds-no
impostor could have braved death as thou
hast done. Thou hast saved at the peril of
thy life, the well beloved sister and nephews
of the Emperor Charles Fifth. Charles is no
migrate. Rise, Finn, and kiss the hand which
lie presents tilee. fOfLune anu nOnOf aJLenQ
thee; express but wish, and I swear its
qualification"
Sire" replied the fishermen, Il am old
have need only of a cabin by the sea-shore.
fl have done well in performing the duties
of faithful subject-in saving the lives of
my fellOw-creatures-in exposing my own life
for my soverei gn-are not the words of ap-
probation which | have heard from your ma
jesty sufficient and glorious recompense ?"
''For thee it may be; but certainly not for
US. We name thee the Warden of our Fish
cries at Ostend, and enoble thee. Rise,
Chevaer Finn !"
The Emperor took from his own neck an
order suspended with string of gold and
Isabella elapsed the chain over the rude vest
ments of the fisherman.
At the commencement of the nineteenth
century, there still lived at Ostend the de-
scendants of Finn. Their arms consist of an
imperial eagle, on a field of gules.