Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-12-20
CATCHING A TARTAR.
A Tradition Of Sweden.

"A Tradition Of Sweden.
Charles the Twelfth OF Sweden, surna med,
On account OF his warlike propensities by his
admirers, the "Lion of the North" and BY his
Mailman of the North" accidentally en-
eountered at the Chateau Gortz, a young crea-
tnTe from the banks of the Volga-a niece of
Baron Gortz. So powerful was the impression
she at once made upon the hitherto imp regna-
BE heart of the hero, so completely was he
spell bound in her charms that he seemed to
lose all recollection of other matters, even of
the disastrous battle of Pultowa.
The name OF this enchantress was the Princess
Ikla-for sne was princess, her mother, the
barons sister, having married the Hetman of
the Tartars. Being left an orphan at an early
age she had taken up her residence with Baron
Gortz at Stralsund.
thought he was,-and was then engaged in
writing history of the king, who called upon
him often to revise and correct the work. Be
sides, the baron was one of the crown council
lors, and was often entrusted with important
business of the state.
= Charles MI had that desire which seems to
be Inherent in the breast of greatness-he wished
to be loved for himself alone, without regard to
his state and grandeur. Consequently he had
himself presented TO Ikla under the simple title
OF Count d'Olfen, and in that name he paid his
court to the cratic princess, for her Tartar
blood made her disregard many of the conven-
fionalities Of life, though her uncle often de-
clared 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
kalmuek 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 on the dazzling veil OF his military
glory, he must acknowledge that the s'I4ion OF
the North" was an unmitigated tyrant, and
ruled his subjects in very arbitrary manner.
Baron de Gortz had proof of this day
when he received a letter from the king. liz
contained these words:
"Baron GOrtz, Information has reached me
n in Ofl Iats1 ID
who was condemned to death for neglect of or
ders at the battle of Pultowa, but who escaped
before the execution of his sentence, has been
seen in Stralsund- Write instantly 20 the gov
ernor; tell him hold him responsible for the
apprehension of this traitor. Within five min
ntes OF his being taken and identified, let him
be shot And the person in whose house he
shall be found shall be forthwith shot.
CHARLgs."
This letter troubled the good baron sorely,
Tor his niece had made him promise to inter
cede for this Identical young officer. He broke
into cold preparation when he reflected that
n he did so the probability was that he would
get himself shot for his pains. He wished in
his heart that the king and Ikla were married,
because then be should be his uncle. and he
could never think Of shooting one OF the royal
he wrote the order to the governor, and sent
II by servant, who infor med him that an Off
WoDde sae p9I nee wished 70 speak with HIM
On his return, he found Ikla, sylphid, dark
haired, dark-eyed gipsy of a woman, gazing
iirticc>ly lIOm large Day WlnuOW, INTO the
street below. She noticed he was In a state Of
perturbation.
"whst is the matter?r she asked
claimed breathIessiv y E pS1,ee iar ne sent en
TO say they have reason to believe that a young
man is concealed somewhere In nv chateau
know u, answered Ikla, coolly. 81 con-
who." exclaimed the astonished baron.
"Who is hep
"Gustavus Reinold."
The baron uttered a dismal groan.
"lkla, you have murdered me' he cried,
and sank feebly into chair.
smilingly.
al tell you that whoever harbors the traitor
Is to be shot" exclaimed the frightened baron,
"You know well that Gustavusi is no traitor
mat signihes that? III the king orders it
baron srosned again. swhas made Ho mo take .Re
20 fatal an interest in this wretched young
(" His misfortunes, )" replied lkla "Heis in
nocent; knew 1t, and nay dear mother, your
sister, knew 1t Also Forced by cruel and I'M
just sentence to fly his country, he found re-
fuge and safety in ours"
"Then why the deuce did he leave iton
Z" To follow me when you sent for me. Find
ing the pursuit so hot, thought the best asy-
lum for him was your chateau"
At this moment a servant entered the room
and announced Count D'Olfen.
The baron's visage frightened with q hope
full idea.
"There Is but one chance for us alllr he ex-
claimed: '.marry the count, and then" He
checked himself abruptly.
" II 1t depends on that our chance is small"
she returned roguishly, "but listen to me-o5ey
me, and all will yet be WELL intend to play
desperate game: but, if win, shall save life
Of far more value than my own,"
She held rapid conference with the baron,
and though he listened to Der at first with as
constituent and alarm, she finally won him over
70 ,S her Parpose, and he promised to assist her,
tnough II was with fear end trembling. Buthe
inaa pretty We'll made up hls rcind by this time
that he should be shot any vay, and he thought
" 1id not make much difference for what.
DE withdrew, and Charles the Twelfth as
Count D'Olfen, entered the room. He wore the
uniform Of his favorite regiments lisht blue
coat trimmed with gold, and the corners Of the
to which q formidable pair Of spurs were at,
tached; q thfee-cornered black hat: black
stock; bun gauntlets, and heavy sword, He
looked more Ike warrior equipped for the
He felt like q timid school boy in the presence
or his exquisite beauty, who had stormed the
outworks OF his heart, and penetrated to the
very citadel nv wTIla any one believe that he
In her turn, Ikla also had her reflections.
He seeks q Tartar, !" she thought; che shall
"what, count" She exclaimed, Gin -reei-
r Tentals? How devoted you must be to the
"&en. am,p he exclaimed; "but c.me
here. a. veil as / can recolisct, to tell you how
asyOsed IL am ,hs 70 yOuaoniy confess myself
any woman until saw you.v
Why, count, you must be the very counter
part OF the king" cried Ikia, coauetishiv.
s.They say he hates women"
He does no such thing" replied Charles,
quickly.
How do you know" she asked archiy.
"I think know him."
lyon might - well say you think you know
yourself
Howl" 10 said, suspiciously.
(Which no man does
"Oh, HI ow you, at all events. know what
ataking, s'riking, peWitchinR little creature
you aret Above all, know how love youl
Am plain, blunt soldier, and like 10 know the
Sos1 nat can happen TO me. Do you love