The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-07-12
The Fortunes of a Fugitive from the
Field of PultOwa.

Il 4
The disastrous battle of Pultowa had
been fought and lost. The Swedes were
in full retreat toward the Duieper river.
Few were the numbers of those destined
to cross the watery waste created by that
swollen stream. They were closely pur-
sued by the Russians, who captured the
disheartened and disorganized Swedes
by the hundreds or cut them down with
their swords.
Among those captured there was a
Young Swede, who purposely fingered be-
hind. He knew it would be difficult to
escape, vet he had hope and determined
to make the attempt. Holding the reins
of a steed in his hand he sprang into the
saddle, spurred the animal vigorously
and dashed away. He had gone mile
when he suddenly found himself in the
very midst of his foes. With the courage
born of despair he fought his way through
But. he came not out of the conflict un-
scathed. The wounds he received were
numerous and severe. Freed from the
presence Of his foes, bleeding from his
numerous wounds, exhausted by the severe
ordeal through which he had passed, with
a departing feeling he resumed his
fight.
The day was drawing to its close. The
evening winds were blowing 6ercely as
the faint, wounded warrior rode over the
plain. As he advanced towards skirt
of wood be was confronted by another
difficulty. The road which he travelled
led across considerable stream, now
swollen to large proportions by late rains.
He urged his horse forward into the an
CRY flood. The poor creature plunged
into the water and safely carried his mas
ter near to the farther shore, and then
the poor beast was swept away by the
rapid current and drowned. But the
master being near the shore, succeeded in
escaping a watery grave. But the pros
poets of the wounded Swede were dreary
enough. He was almost ready to give way
to his despair For the loss of his horse
he wept, and said to himself, "What shall
I do since l have lost my all in this
wide worldl To walk tonight is impos-
sible; yet / must away from this place or
l will be murdered" With his sword in
his hand, he went toward thicket in
search of rest. AS he went, he discovered
he saw that it was a large white frame
house. He walked up the steps and
Knocked at the door. 1t was opened by
an old man, who, when he had seen our
warrior, Immediately made a movement
to shut the door. But the young man
pushed it open and spoke in his own
language:
Have sympathy for me, and give the
dying resta'
The old man looked at him and saw
the weak eyes close, and the body sank
upon the steps.
At the same time was seen in the hall a
lady in evening dress, the fair curls fall
ing around her pretty neck, as she
stopped to look at the young man.
"Who are you?" she asked.
Receiving no answer, she turned to the
old man, saying He is dead"
mo; he is not dead; he spoke a min
ute ago, and in the language of Sweden. "
"Ohl he is Swede. Bring him in one
of the spare rooms"
"But Mr.. Hessen has told me not to lei
any stranger in while he is gone, and you
know my masters temper, miss, do you
notl"
"How unmerciful !" she exclaimed. ale
IL our countryman and warrior at that
if father says anything to you about it
tell him twas my fault. Bring him in
and wait upon him, and fhe is sick unto
death, Christian will follow him to bis
grave"
Two weeks had elapsed since Charlie,
came to the Russian residence. He seemed
moro like King Charles than himself
He had had . very severe fever. Blu
nov he was able to notice what was goins
on. The old man waited upon him, and
Maria was daily in bis ROOM How
pleasing did it seem to Charles whel
Maria spoke to him in Swede, or put thu
silver tumbler to his lips. Angel" wa
al hs could cay.
Mr.. and Mrs. Hessen were not Maria
parents, they were OuIy her uncle sns
east, though she calls them her fathe
and noeher. Adam Htssen VS. . ricl