The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1874-08-07
THE DUKES EsCAPE.

when Mabel entered the school room
IN her sew caiicc drea.
THE DUKES ESCAPE.
a rr~Stfsss eT DsHeW.
Ocrk vankramer sat by his cottage
door in the forest near Baden, busily en-
gagged in furnishing up an old uniform,
when he heard the report Of firearms and
the clash Of swords in the distance. His
military ardor--for he was veteran who
had served with honor in the armies Of
stout John wolgang, Duke Of Baden
was aroused by the sound; and he
hastened into his cottage to procure his
good broadsword and aid the party A.
sailed.
A man dashed in at the open door,
breathlc~ from his rapid fight, and sank
exhausted into chair. He was young
man Of noble presence, and wore the rich
uniform ola hussar officer. But his face
was pale, and his pelise torn and bloody.
He had evidently been wounded, and had
with difficulty escaped from his assail-
anita
"If you are . man." he gasped, "see
not your fellow-crcature butchercd." He
rose and glanced through the door. al
have escaped them" he continued, more
calmly.
"why didn't you wait until came
uPr cried the veteran, fourishing his
sword vigorously. 81 wouldhave shown
you all the backsword play of the
Heavy Alsatians,' such as we practised
under old John. A scratch on the arm"
he continued, with solicitude, as he per-
ceived that the fugitive was wounded.
Here's shawl Of my daughters" He
skilfhlly bound 1t around the wound, to
stop the effdsion Of blood. sAnd here's
a small drop of brandy" bringing flask
from his cupboard, "but it's better than
all the doctors stuff in the world"
The young man, who had again sunk
into chair, apparently faint from the
loss ofblood, was visibly affected by these
Offices of kindness.
This act, promise you, shall not 20
unrewarded," he exclaimed. "When you
know me-"
al know enough Of you," the old
soldier broke in, bluntly; "you are in
danger; and when you know me, you'll
trust me--old John trusted me. When
Oerk vankramer says thing"
The young man started, as II the name
struck unplsasantly upon his ear, and
pulled his hat over his brow.
vankramerp he murmured.
Yea" answered the veteran, intent
upon his memories of the past, and ne.
observing the others emotion. ~ say
when Oerk vankramer says thing, you
need not think you are dealing with the
young duke. Now l hate prying into
other peoples affairs; but will lay my
life yoas have offended that Prince, and
he, being TOO great coward to demand
satisfaction, sent those fellows to murder
you in the woodso -
LIN guest was by no means pleased b.
hear these words.
"I-you--on the contrary, he is my
best friend, he stammered, confusedly.
But, my good sir" continued Van
kramer, with an old soldiers obstnacy,
"will any thing short of that account for
there being cutthroats in his woods, which |
from time out Of mind, has been as quiet
as paradise. I'll wager my sword here
he had hand in it,"
You--you have cause to think thusg
asked the fugitive, suspiciously.
Causep answered Vankramer. 90, |
why, in common with Others, l myself
have no complaint against him. To be
sure, served in about fifteen campaigns
with his father. Twas called his shadow
but then, ! had my rewards was pro-
NOTED to lead the Alsatian dragons, and
he gave me, at my own request, his old
uniform as token of regard"
ell remember it," said the young
'Ufiicer glancing at the uniform which the
veteran proudly displayed.
"Do you" cried Vankramer, de-
lightedly. Then you must know they
are the very coat, hat and boots in which
he commanded the Imperialists in 1857,
and beat the Bavarians near the Mulda."
"IfI am right" said the young officer,
"he was too poor to pension you, but
gave you home in the palace. Was il
discreet in you TO leave II for such
wretchedness ~ thisr'
He took contemptuous survey Of the
humble dwelling ~ he spoke.
"Why, staid ss long as could, and
was very happy" answered vankramer,
in his blunt, honest way, "until Duke
Charles brought home that Chevalier he
picked up in Italy; then every thing |
was turned topsy-turvy, and order and
discipline were turned out, and regi-
ment of guzzling, fddling, yelping, lean
kline of Pharaoh marched in. thought
Il stopped and looked ON, old Duke
Johns ghost would some night rap me
,yer the headwith his skeleton knuckles."
"But it is possible you may be in
lue,d to return" suggested his guest.
Vankramer shook his head negatively.
Return !" he echoed, disdainmlly.
No, no; I told the duke my mind
.ther TOO plainly for him to have me
ack; besides, could be comfortable In
place that's Ike a suffers tent ON a
ay-dayf Old Duke John was always
ping sonething for his peoples good, or
ting them good example; he was al
avs abed at ten O'Clock; this fellow ats
D the whole night TO lie ON a sofa the