Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1868-06-06
JUNE 6, 1868.

post on tbe hillside that the coast was
clear, proceeded to drive nail into the
mortar at about three feet from the
ground, another higher up, and then,
standing, on the lowest. and holding on
to the other with my left hand, knock
ed in a third still higher; and so, after
many tumbles and abrasions of the skin,
L colntrived series of points of advant-
age, which enabled me to scramble high
enough to catch hold of the top of the
wall, and then l was all right, for there
were no broken bottles along the coping.
"The task completed, I dropped to
the ground and ran up the hill to the
post of observation, and there 1 sat till
the lady made her appearance then I
waved my hat in triumph, rushed down,
sprang up the wall, and seated myself
on the top of it. Beneath me stood the
object of my affections, so close that I
could scan her every feature, catch her
faintest sigh. That was great trial,
for l had let my Imagination take the
bit between its teeth upon the subject of
her charms; and a coarse complexion,
irregular teeth, or, large teeth, or large
ears would ahave disenchantede Vme.
But she really was a remarkably hand
some. girl, with a sort of anxious, dis
tressed look in her eyes, which appealed
strongly to the sympathies. There was
certain eccentric, tragedy way with
her, which ordinary worldlings might
have taken exception at, but which
only Served to rivet my chains the
faster" -
"''Tis we'll" she said, when she had
gazed on me in silence for somewhat
embarrassing minute. Now turn your
face sideways; tits again well. Your
features recommend you, but they are
somewhat deceitfuI. CanI really, truly
trust you?' @
- "'Loveliest and dearest, you can,' l
replied, from the top of the wall, l will
lay down my life to serve YOU
-""'I accept she said, in solemn tones,
which gave me rather thrill. One don't
expect ones words to be taken up in that
literal way. taa t
."s I had sooner live for you, though,
I FASTENED to add and take this oppor-
tunity of apologizing to the spirit of the
original utterer of that joke for the theft
"'Thanks, thanks!' she exclaimed
sAnd what will you do for me? How
prove that devotion which doubt not !?
at was more convenient for youth
under age, entirely destitute both of re-
sources and experience, and situated in a
precarious position on the top of a wall
to deal in generalities, than to propose
any definite course of action. was
puzzled for moment, but suddenly re-
membered with relief that was in com
plete ignorance as to who she was and
what she wanted, and that it was only
reasonable that the direction which my
chivalrous path was to lie. in should be
pointed out by her. f l.sls..
"'True,' said she, when mentioned
this fact. i must trust you with my
sad secret. Know, then, that am not
what seem. Doubtless you take me
for an English woman, for speak your
tongue with huency and correctness;
but no, am Russian princess. A
cruel and wicked cousin coveted my es-
tates, to which he was the next heir
He sought to acquire them by the law
full means of marriage, but being man
of ungovernable temper, he one day had
serf knouted to death before my very
eyes; and loathed and dreaded him.
The sting of outraged vanity was then
added to his cupidity, and he determin.
ed to dispossess me. But was favor
ite with the Gear, the Czarina, and all
the Royal family; and while I remained
in Russia was safe. But a sad infatu
alton tempted me to travel; and the mo-
ment touched these hospitable shores
I was seized and hurried to this place
where | have been incarcerated ever
since. Doubtless my villainous rela
tive has spread the report of my death
and is squandering my property on his
minions.' r r-..--.-. ...
"'But,' cried 1, with an enthusiasm
which nearly made me lose my balance
the matter is simple. will go to the
nearest magistrate; will seek the ai(
of the police-I will -. b..
PRAY, pray, do nothing of the kind!'
she exclaimed with alarm. MY enemy
is connected by the strongest ties witt
your Prime Minister, and the chief o.
your police is in his power. One word
to the authorities, and my cause is lost
forever! No, flight is my only resource
Aid my escape; fly with me; bring me tt
my native land, and 1 am saved
Eternal gratitude and countless treasures
shall be yours
"'And may not presume to a higher
reward?' I asked.
"'What mean you !? she replied bash
fully.
"I fear lest my temerity should Of
fend you,' said 1; but love is ever pre-
sumptuous. And if 1 could only hope
that my affection might one day meet
with return, should be inspired with
an ardor before which all obstacles would
melt away
"This was pretty well for bashful
lad, was it not? do not believe could
have spoken such words in an ordinary
drawing-room, had my life depended up
on it; but from the top of wall it was
different. Further advance was impos-
sible, and retreat was SO easy. And yet
when one comes to think of it, to make
an offer of marriage to princess on a
first interview was prompt proceeding
1t was successful, however, for 1 was &C.
cepted then and there, and all that re.
mained was to make arrangements fol-
our flight.
"I had several other conversations
from the top of the wall with my prin.
cess before our plans were matured
The great difficulty was funds. Once
in Russia and we should be encumbered
with a superfuity of wealth; but we had
to get there. 1t was difficulty which
never occurred to the knights of old, who