The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1872-10-04
gflistelIaneons Selections.
THE FUGITIVE KING.
A Historical Sketch.

A Historical Sketch.
Pannistone Hall, a fine old man
sion situated in somewhat dreary
part of the northern half of Lancas-
shire, was during the civil war which
preceded and followed the execution
of Charles l, in possession of William
Evelyn, a staunch old Cavalier,
whose money and retainers were
alike cheerfully placed by him at
the disposal Of the fugitive Prince,
afterwards Charles II. Mr.. Evelyn
was a widower with one son and one
daughter-the former brave young
fellow of six-and twenty, heading a
band of Royalist troops, the latter a
beautiful girl Of eighteen.
1t was the winter of 1865. The
decisive victories OF the Common
wealth had been achieved, and King
Charles II, (for such, though with
out a throne, he was) was fugitive
in his own kingdom. No one, in
fact, knew where the unfortunate
Prince was, save the Evelyns and a
few trustworthy adherents of Charles
He was at Pannistone Hall, dis
guised as valet to young Evelyn,
and waiting to pass over into Scot
land and thence to France.
Under such circumstances the
Evelyn family could not keep the
season Of Christmas in their wonted
fashion, and thus invite the prying
eyes of friends and neighbors. The
old Squire, his son and daughter,
and the fugitive Prince, formed the
sole party gathered round the sup
per table on the Christmas Eve.
which was the date of this story.
Even then, so great was the precau-
ton taken by Mr.. Evelyn, the serv-
ants had all been dismissed from
their attendance, the Squire intima-
ting that his sons servant (the dis
guised King) would suffice for a
small party. Thus some degree of
privacy and security had been OBJ
tanned, and the little group, sitting
over their sfter-supper wine, were
discussing in low and onxious tones
the probabilities Of the Kings fu-
tute.
The King himself was, as well he
might be, looking harassed and ill,
and relying rather on the judgment
of the old Squire to guide him, than
possessing any distinct plans of his
own. The fair girl, on a low stool
at her fathers feet, looked up into
his venerable face with a scarcely
disguised weariness and solicitude.
As for the young man appeared part
| ly to listen to his father and partly
to be absorbed in some private
troubles of his own. The old Squire
with his calm, unraffled brow and
dignifed white locks and head, was
the only tranquil member of the
group.
The King spoke:
"Alas, my kind host, l fear shall
never requite you for your loss of
fortune on my behalf. An uncrown-
ed King, deprived of the inheritance
of his fathers, has little indeed with
which to repay the fidelity of such
staunch friends, besides, were it
known that you harbored me, your
very life itself would be forfeited"
''Name it not, my liege," replied
the old man, proudly. "My life has
well-nigh run its course: besides,
children, fortune, and life itself, were
all well bestowed could they be lost
in the service Of my lawful sover-
eign. Is it not so, my childrenF'
The young girl acquiesced; her
brother, still musing absently, also
assented.
Thanks, kind friends" said
Charles, much moved; SIT is indeed
an alienation Of misfortune to find
so much fidelity"
The King was about to continue,
when so furious a knocking was
heard at the outer door, that all four
started and grew pale. Charles
himself, assuming the position of a
servant, rose hastily from his seat
and stood behind the young Squire's
chair.
In two minutes the old white hair
ed butler (who was in secret of the
Kings identify rushed into the
apartment without ceremony, and in
state of the greatest perturbation.
"Oh, sir! o, your Majesty, for
give me! The Roundheads! The
Roundheads are herep he cried.
"Speak quietly, Nicholas" SAID
the old gentleman, endeavoring to
subdue his own agitation. "Do 1
understand you that the soldiers of
the Commonwealth are here"
eyes. sir; and with search-war-
rant said the old butler, sadly, and
in tears.
"Good Heavensr' exclaimed Mr..
Evelyn, whilst his daughter clasped
her hands in terror, "what is to be
done?"
"They are even now entering the
great hall, sir. Not an instant to be
lost" said the butler.
The old Squire seemed confound-
ed by the suddenness of the calami-
! ty, when, to the surprise of every
body, young Evelyn, who had been
hitherto absorbed and moody, start
ed up, as if brilliant idea had oc-
CURED to him, seized the Kings
hand and, using gentle violence,
disappeared with him through con
cealed door, which 10y behind the
tapestry.
He led the fugitive Prince through