The Lincoln County herald., 1871-01-12
CATCHING A TARTAR.
A TRADITION OF SWEDEN.

Charles the Twelfth Of Sweden acci.
dentally encountered, at the Chateau
Gortz, . young creature from the banks
Of the Volga-a niece of Baron Gortz.
So powerful was the impression she at
once made upon the hitherto impregna-
bic heart Of the hero, that ho seemed to
lose all recollection Of other matters.
The name of his enchantress was the
Princess lkla. Being left an orphan at
an early age, she had taken up her resi-.
dence with Baron Gratz, at Stralsund.
The Baron was one of the Crown
Councillors, and was often entrusted with
important business of the State.
Charles the Twelfth had himself pre-.
sented to lkla under the simple title Of
Count D'Olfen, and in that name he paid
his court to the erratic Princess; for her
Tartar blood made her disregard many of
the conventionalities of lie though her
uncle often declared that she had the
blood of the Gortzes full in her veins,
and was no more Tartar than he was
and there was not much 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
nephew in law. For stripping off the
dazzling veil of his military glory, he
must acknowledge that the "Lion Of the
North" was an unmitigated tyrant, and
ruled his subjects in very arbitrary
manner.
Baron Goriz had proof Of this ono day,
when he received letter from the King.
1t contained these words:
Baron de Gortz Information has
reached me that the Captain Of Hubans,
Gustavus Reinold, who was condemned
to death for neglect of duty at the battle
of Pultowa, but who escaped before the
execution of his sentence, has been seen
in Stralsund. Write instantly to the
Governor tell him l hold him response
bic for the apprehension of this traitor.
Within five minutes of his being taken
and identified, lot him be shot. And the
person in whose house he shall be found,
. shall forthwith be shot. CHARLES"
This letter troubled the good old
Baron sorely, for his niece had made him
: promise to irtcrcede for this identical
young officer. He broke into cold per.
spiration when he reflected that if he did
so he should get himself shot for his
pains. He wished fondly in his heart
that the King and Ikla were married,
: because then he should be his uncle, and
he would never think OF shooting one of
the royal family.
lie wrote the order to the Governor,
and sent it by servant, who informed
him that an officer of the police wished
to speak to him. Wondering at this he
hastencd to the hall below. On his re
turn he found Ikla, sylphld, dark,
haired, dark eyed gypsy of a woman, gaz
ing listlcssly from large bay window
into the street below. She noticed that
he was in state of perturbation.
"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
licve that young man is concealed some
c where in my chateau"
81 know it, answered Ikla, coolly. II
concealed him."
"You!" exclaimed the astonished
l. Baron. "Who is he j.
"Gustavus Roinold."
The Baron uttered dismal sroan.
okla you have murdered me |" he
cried, and sank feebly into chair.
"Not so bad as that / hope," she re
Q piled smiliugly.
> 81 tell you that whoever harbors tn,
It traitor is to be shot-and SO must 7
!, And the Baron groancd again. '"Wha
g made you take so fatal an interest 10 thi
wretched young man2"
"His misfortunes," replied Ik.a. "Ht
is innocent; know it, and my deal
mother, your sister, knew il also. Forced
by cruel and unjust sentence to fly hi
country, he found refuge in ours"
"Then why the deuce'did he leave it ?
"To follow me when you sent for ME
Finding the pursuit SO hot, l though
the best asylum for him was you
= chateau"
At this moment, q servant entered th,
room, and announced Count D'Olfsn.
The Baron's vissge frightened with
hopeful idea.
= "There is but one chance for us all /
he exclaimed "marry tho Count, an,
J. then =" He checked himself abruptly
"lf it depends on that, our chance i
small" she returned roguishly; "bu
listen to me-obey me, and all will ye
be we'll. l intend to play q desperat
gamc but if win, l shall save . life o
far more value than my own"
She held rapid conference with tn
It Baron and though he listened to her q
first with astonishment and alarm, sh
finally won him over to her purpose, an
he promised to assist her, though it wa
with fear and trembling.
u He withdrew, and Charles the Twelfth
). as Count D'Olfeu, entered the room.
"He seeks Tartar" che thought; III
: shall find one"
"Whatl Count" she exclaimed, I'll
= 4