The Placer herald., 1874-01-24

| He wished in his heart that the king and
Ikla were married, because then he should
be his uncle, and he could never think Of
shooting one Of the royal 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 this he hurried to
the hall below. On his return, he found
lkla, a sylphid, dark-haired, dark-eyed
gypsy Of woman, gazing listleesly from the
large bay window, into the street below.
She noticed be was in state of purturba-
tion.
What is the matter ?" she asked.
II want to put you on your guard" he
exclaimed, breathlessly. "The police have
sent to say they have reason to believe that
young man is concealed somewhere in my
chateau.
II know it," answered 1kla, coolly. ri
concealed him."
"Whow exclaimed the astonished baron.
"Who is be ?"
"Gustavus Reinold."
The baron uttered dismal groan.
"1kla, you have murdered mel" he cried,
and sank feebly into a chair.
"Not so bad as that, hope" she replied
smilingly.
81 tell you that whoever harbors is to be
shotT exclaimed the frightened baron,
irately.
"reu know we'll that Gustavus is no
traitor.
"What signifies that If the king or
ders it he must be shot-and so must II"
and the baron groaned again.
"What made you take so fatal an interest
in this wretched young man?"
"His misfortunes," replied 1kla. He
is innocent; know it, and my dear mother,
your sister, knew it, also. Forced by a
cruel and unjust sentence to fly his country,
he found refuge and safety in ours"
"fhen why the deuce did he leave h?"
"To follow me when you sent for me.
Finding the pursuit go bot l thought the
best asy lum for him was your chateau"
At this moment, q private servant en-
tered the room and announced Count
d'Olfen.
The baron's vissge frightened with a
hopeful idea.
"There is but one chance for us all!' he
exclaimed, "marry the. count, and then"
He checked himself abruptly.
eff it depends ON that, our chance is
small, she returned, roguishly, "but listen
to me-obey me, and all will yet be well.
intend to play desperate game; but, if
win, l shall save life of far more value
than my own"
She held rapid conference with the
baron, and though he listened to her at first
with astonisbment and alarm, she finally
won him over to her purpose, and be prom
ised to assist her, though it was with fear
and trembling. But he bad pretty well
made up bis mind by this time that he
would be shot any way, and he thought it
did not make much difference for what.
He withdrew, and Charles the Twelfth,
as Count d'Olfen, entered the room. He
wore tie uniform Of bis favorite regiment
"a light blue coat trimmed with gold, and
the corners of the skirts turned back; high
boots Of black leather, to which formid
able pair of spurs were attached; three
cornered black hat; buff gauntlets, and
heavy sword. He looked more like war
rior equipped for the field than fond lover
seeking bis lady's bower.
He felt like q timid school boy in the
presence Of this exquisite beauty, who had
stormed the outworks Of his heart, and pen
etrated to the very citadel. Would any one
believe that he was Charles the Twelfth.
In her turn, Ikla also had her refec-
tions.
"He seeks Tartar" she thought. ''he
shall find one"
"What, countW she exclaimed, 'in reg
imentals? How devoted you must be to
the king p
"Well, am" he exclaimed; "but ]
come here, as we'll as can recollect, to tell
you how devoted am to you-only con-
fess myself awkward in these matters. ]
never cared for any woman until l saw
you" 5..
"Why, count, you must be the very
counterpart Of the king" cried 1kla, CO.
quettisbly. "They say he hates women"
"He does no such thing" replied Charles
quickly.
Chow do you know ?" she'asked, archly.
81 think know him."
"You might as we'll say you think you
know yourself.
Glow ?" he said. suspiciously.
| (Which no man does"
"Ob, know you, at all events. know
what talking, striking, bowisching little
creature you are. Above all, l know how
love you. l am plain. blunt soldier,
and like to know the worst that can happen
me. Do you love me p p
''Is that the worst that can happen to
you p she asked. demurely.
a'sIkla. 1 generally get the best Of it at
blows, but own you beat On words. !