Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1874-01-17
CATCHING A TARTAR.
A Tradition of Sweden,

account of his warlike propensities, by
his admirers, the Lion of the North, y
and by his detractors, with equal us
tice, perhaps, the "Madman of the
North" accidentally encountered at the
Chateau Goriz a young creature from
the banks of the Volga-a neice of
Baron Gortz. So powerful was the i'm
preston she at once made upon the
so completely was he spell-bound in her
charms, that he seemed to lose all recol-
lection of other matters, even of the dis
astrous battle of Pultowa.
The name of this enchantress was the
Princess Ikla-for she was Princess,
her mother, the Baron's 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.
The Baron was bit of a historian
or he thought he was-and was then en-
gagged in writing a history of the King,
who called upon him often to revise and
correct the work. Besides, the Baron
was one of the crown councillors, and
was often intrusted with important bus
mess of the state.
Charles XII. had that desire which
seems to be inherent in the breast of
greatncss-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 er-
ratio Princess, for her Tartar blood
made her disregard many of the con-
ventionalities of life, though her uncle
often declared 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 Kalmuck
about him.
Baron Gortz was highly delighted at
the prospect of becoming the uncle of
the King; but that delight was tempered
by wholesome dread CT his prospect
i've 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 arbi-
trary manner.
Baron de Gortz had proof of this one
day, when he received a letter from the
King. 1t contained these words:
Baron Gortz, information has reached me
that the Captain of Hubans, Gustavus
Reinold, who was condemned to death fol
neglect of orders at the battle of Pultowa, but
who escaped before the execution OF his sen
tence, has been seen ill Stralsund Write in
stantly to the Governor; tell him hold hin
responsible for the apprehension of this trai
tor. Within five minutes of his being taker
and identified, let him be shot. And the per
son in whose house he shall be found shall bt
forthwith shot. " CHARLES"
This letter troubled the good Baror
sorely, for his niece had made hin
promise to intercede for this identica
young officer. He broke into colo
perspiration when he reflected that if ht
did so the probability was that he woult
get himself shot for his pains. H,
wished in his heart that the King ant
lkla were married, because then h,
should be his uncle, and he coult
never think of shooting one of the roya
family.
He wrote the order to the Governor
and sent it by servant, who informed
HIM that an officer of the police wished
to speak with him. Wondering at thi
he hurried to the hall below. On hi
return, he found Ikla, a sylphid, dark
haired, dark-eyed gipsy of a woman
gazing listlessly from the large bay win
dow into the street below. She notice,
that he was in state of perturbation.
"What is the matter ?" she asked.
81 want to put you on your guard,
he exclaimed, breathlessly. "The po
lice have sent to say they have reason t.
believe that young man is conceale,
somewhere in my chateau"
81 know it," answered Ikla, coolly
+" L concealed him."
"Who % exclaimed the astonishe,
Baron. "Who is hep"
"Gustavus Reinold."
The Baron uttered dismal groan.
Ikla, you have murdered me !' h
cried, and sank feebly into chair
"Not so bad as that, hope" she re
piled, smilingly.
81 tell you that whoever harbors til
traitor is to be shot p exclaimed tn
frightened Baron, irately.
You know well that Gustavus is n
traitor"
"What signifies that? If the Kin
orders it, he must be shot-and SO mu'
II" And the Baron groaned agaiI
"What made you take so fatal an iIte
est in this wretched young man?"
ellis misfortunes," replied Xxi;
"He is innocent; 1 know it, and N
dear mother, your sister, knew it also
Eorca1 Inv a crue1 and uniust sentant