Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1872-10-10
SELECTED STORY.
1HE FUGITIVE KING.
4 HISTORICAL sEETCH.

Pannfstone Hall. fine old mansion
situated in somewhat Greary part of the
northern half of Lancashire, was during
the civil war which preceded and follow
ed the execution OF Charles the /, in pos
session of William Evelyn, a staunch old
cavalier, whose money and reIainers
were alike cheerfully placed by him at
the disposal of the fugitive Prince, af-
forwards Charles II. Mr.. Evelyn was
widover with one son and daughter-the
former brave young fellow OF six and
twenty heading a band of Royalist troops;
the latter beautiful girl of eighteen.
Il was the winter of 1865. The decis-
i've victories of the Commonwealth had
been achieved, and King Charles Ii. Cfor
such, though without throne, be was
was fugitive in his own kingdom. No
one. in fact, knew where the unfortunate
Prince was, save the Evelyns and few
.rustw ortby adherents of Charles. He
was at Pannsone Hall, disguised as "a
valet to young Evelyn, and waiting to
PASS over into Scotland and theuce to
France. ...
Under sach circumstances. the Evelyn
family could not keep the season of Christ
mas in their wonted fashion, and thus in
vite the prying eyes Of friends and neigh
bors. The old Squire, his sen and
daughter. and the fugitive Prince, form
ed the sole party gathered around the
supper table OBJ the Christmas Eve which
was the date of this story. Even then,
70 great was the precaution taken by Mr..
Evelyn. the servants ID al been ii nj !
ed from their attendance, the Squire init
mating that his sons servant (tae dis
guised Kiug) would suffice for SO small
a party. e =.
Thus some degree Of privacy and securi-
ty had been obtained .snd the little group
sitting over their after supper wine. were
discussing in low and anxious tones the
probabilities of the Kings future.
The King himself was. as well he might
be, looking harassed and ill. and relying
on the judgment of the Old Squire to
guide him, than possessing any distinct
plans o. his own. The fair girl, on a
low stool OF her fathers feet, looked up
into his venerable face with scarcely
disguised WEAKNESS and solicitude. As
for the young man. he appeared partly
to listen to his father and partly to be
absorbed in some private troubles of his
own. The old Squire. with calm, IN
rufaed brow aud digui6ed white locks and
head, was the only tranquil member Of
the group.
/ The King spoke:
s.Alas, my kind host. fear | shall
never requit you for your loss OF fortune
on my behalf. An uncrowned King, de.
priyed OF the Inheritance of his fathers,
has little indeed with which to repay the
fidelity Of such sraunch friends; besides,
we're it known that you harbored me-,
your life itself would be forfeited"
Name it not. my leige." replied the
old man, proudly. MY life has we'll nigh
run its course; besides, children fortune,
and life itself. were al we'll bestowed
| could they be lost ir,the service of my
lawful sovereign. Is it not SO, my chill
dren 2" Il
The young girl gently acqhlesced her
brother, stil musing absently, also as
sentcd.
.sThanks, kind friends" said Charles
much moved : Sit is indeed an alieviation
Of misfortune to find 80 much fidelity
The King was about to continue when
SO furious knocking was heard at the
outer door, that all four started and grew
pale. Charles himself assuming the po-
.ition O servant. rose hastily from hi'
sect and stood behind tile young Squire's
chair. ~ -.
In two minutes the old VIII -hairee
butler kwho was ID the secret Of the King