The Findlay Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio) 1870-1881, 1872-08-16
S4isfellaneuns.
HISTORICAL SKETCH:
How Dorothy Evelyn Saved the King.
BY ASTLRY ii. BALDWIN.

) PanDistOne Hall, line old mansion
situated in q somewhat dreary part o
the northern part of Lancashire, was,
during the late civil war which pre-
ceded and followed the execution Ol
Charles. in possession OF William
Evelyn, a staunch old Cavalier, whose
money and retainers were alike cheer.
fully placed by him at the disposal Of
the fugitive Prince, afterward
Charles II. Mr.. Evelyn was wid-
over with one son and one daughter
tho former a brave young fellow Of
six and twenty, heading a band Of
royalist troops the latter beautiful
girl of eighteen.
1t was the winter of 1865. The
decisive victoties OF the common
wealth had been achieved, and King
Charles ii flor such, though without,
a throne, he was) a fugative in his
own kingdom. No one in fact, knew
where the unfortunate prince was,
save tie Evelyns and q few trust
worthy adherents Of Charles. He
was at Pannistone Hall, disguised -
valet to young Evelyn, and waiting
to pass over into Scotland and thence
to France.
Under such circumstances, the
Evelyn family could not Of course
keep the season of Christmas in their
wonted fashion and thus invite the
pryipg ewes of friends and neighbOrs.
The old squire, his son and daughter,
and the fugitive prince formed the
cole party gathered around the sup
per table on the Christmas eve which
was the date OF this story. Even
then, SO great was the precaution
taken by Mr.. Evelyn, that the ser.
wants had all been dismissed from
their attendance, the squire intimat-
ing that his sons 1.-THE disguised king)
would suffice for SO small q party.
Thus some degree OF privacy and &C.
curity had been obtained, and the
little group, sitting over their after
supper wine, were discussing in low
anxious tones, the probabilities Ofthe
kings future.
The king himself was, as well as he
might be, looking hhrassed 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 scarcely dis
guised weariness and solicitude. As
for the young man, he appeared
partly TO listen to his father, and
partly to be absorbed in some pri-|
vate troubles OF his own. The old
squire, with his calm, unruffled brow,
and dignified white locks and head,
was the only tranquil member Of the
group.
The king spoke.
"Alas my kind host" he said II
fear me never shall requite you for
yoar loss of fortune on my behalf. |
An uncrowned king, deprived Of the
inheritance of his fathe rs. has little
indeed with which to repay the fideli-
ty of such 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 we're
all well bestowed could they be lost
in the service of my lawful sovereign.
Is it not so, children ?"
The young girl gently acquiesced
her brother, still musing absently,
also assented.
Thanks, kind friends,' said
Charles, much moved ''it is indeed
an alleviatiOn of misfortune to find
so much fidelity"
The king was about to continue,
when 30 furious knocking was heard
at the outer door, that all four started
and grew pale. Charles himself, as.
suming the position OF servant, rose
hastily from his seat and stood be-
hind the young squire's chair.
In two minutes the old white hair
ed butler (whO was in the secret OF
the kings identify rushed into the
apartment, without ceremony, and in
state Of the greatest perturbation.
"Oh, sir, sir Oh, your majesty,
forgive me! The Roundheads, the
Roundheads are here p'
"Speak quietly, Nicholas" said the
old gentleman, endeavoring to SUBJ
due his agitation. "Do l understand
you that the soldiers OF the common.
wealth are here!"
eyes, sir; and with a search.war.
rant" said the old butler, sadly, in
tears.
"Good Heaven !" exclaimed Mr..
Evelyn, whilst his daughter clasped
her hands in terror, "what is to be
donef'
/ "They are even now entering the
great hall, sir. Not an instant 10 be
lost,' said the butler. -
| The old squire seemed confounded
by the suddenness of the calamity,
when to the surprise OF everybody,
young Evelyn, who had been hitherto
absorbed and moody, started up, as If
brilliant idea had occurred to him ;
he seized the kings hand, and using .
gentle violence, disappeared with him
through concealed door, which lay
behind the tapestry.
| He led the fugitive prince through
a corridor after corridor of the vast
house, until they arrived at suite Of
apartments in the west wing. There
he paused, and, drawing a small key
4 from his pocket, opened a o door
8 which faced them.
Even in the extremity OF his danger
!. the king started back amazed: Tht