Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1870-09-02

of the conventionalities of life, though her
uncle often declared that she had the blood
of the Gortzes full in her veins, and was
no more a Tartar than he was-and there
was not much Of the Kalmuck about him.
Baron Gortz was highly delighted at
the prospect of becoming the uncle OF the
king but that delight was tempered by a
wholesome dread of his prospective ne
phew-in-law. For, stripping off the daz-
zling veil of his military glory, we must
acknowledge that the ''Lion of the North"
was an unmitigated tyrant, and ruled his
subjects in a very arbitrary manner.
Baron Gortz had proof Of this one day
when he received letter from the king.
1t contained these words:
''Baron de Gortz, information has reach
ed me that the Captain Of Hulans, Gus
tavus Reinold. who was. condemned to
death for neglect of orders at the battle of
Pultowa, but who escaped before the ex-
ecution of his sentence, has been seen in
Stralsund Write Instantly to the gov
ernor; tell him hold him responsible for
the apprehension of this traitor. Within
five minutes Of his being taken and identi-
fed, let him be shot And the person in
whose house he shall be found shall be
forthwith shot. CHARLES"
This letter troubled the good old baron
sorely, for his niece had made him prom
ise to intercede for this identical young
officer. He broke into cold perspiration
when be reflected that if he did SO the pro-
bability was that he should get himself
shot for his pains. He wished fondly in
his heart that the king and Ikla we're mar
ried, because then he should be his uncle
and be could never think of shooting one
the royal family.
He wrote the order to the governor, and
sent it by servant, who informed him
that an officer Of the police wished to speak
with him. Wondering at this he hasten
ed to the hall below. On his return, he
found Ikla, a petite, dark-haired, dark
eyed gypsy of a woman, gazing listlessly
from the large bay window into the street
q of1S;.;a 5sitafssi;5b: was in state
.'What is the matter p she asked.
Il want to put you on your guard" he
exclaimed, breathlessly. "The police
have sent to say they have reason to be-
lieve that young man is concealed some
where in my chateau e.
Il know it" answered Ikla, coolly. =
81 concealed him. - ~.. ue
"Youv' exclaimed the astonished baron.
"Who is he % sa,a
''Gustayus Reinold." & 1a-5 q
The baron uttered dismal groan.
''Ikla, you have murdered mel" he
cried ; and sank feebly into a chair.
"Not SO bad as that, I hope" she re-
piled, smilingly.
II tell you that whoever harbors the
traitor is to be shot!" exclaimed the fright
ened baron. irately. @
"You know well that Gustavus is no
traitor
"What signifies that? If the king or
ders it, he must be shot-and so must I r
And the baron groaned again. What
made you take so fatal an interest in this
wretched young man ?"
His misfortunes," replied Ikla. "He
is innocent; [ know it, and my dear moth
er, your sister, knew it also. Forced by
cruel and unjust sentence to fly this
country, he found refuge and safety in
ours"
"Then why the deuce did he leave it p
ITO follow me when you sent for me.
Finding the pursuit so hot. I thought the
best asylum for him was your chateau"
Il am much obliged to you for the pre-
ference" answered the baron, dolefully." :"
At this moment servant entered the
room and announced:
"Count D'Olfen."
The baron's visage frightened with a
hopeful idea.
''There is but one chance for us all, !"
he exclaimed, "marry the count, and
then"
He checked himself abruptly.
IF it depends on that. our chance is
SMALL" she returned. roguishly; "but list
en- to me-obey me, and all will yet be
we'll. I intend to play desperate game
but if I win, I shall save a life of far
more value than my own. /"
She held rapid conference with the
baron, aud though he listened to her at
first with astonishment and alarm. she f.
nally won him over to her purpose and be
promised to assist her. though it was with
fear and trembling; but be bad pretty well
made up his mind by this time that be