Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1878-01-03

the DraZcn portal Ol late again graf
its harsh thunder before the opening
paradise? and will not be excluded
in the chill darkness of despair? No,
mol 1t cannot be, that | purchase
happiness at such pricel
1t was now quite dark, and the dis
tant bowling OF the wolves could be
heard. They proceeded but slowly
through the deep untrodden snow.
The horses already scented their enc
my. Oloff snapped his whip and
urged on the horses. Shortly the
road turned round a lofty old pine,
whose trunk formed the angle OF the
wood. The hOrscmen, in the act of
turning the corner, suddenly reigned
in their animals and came to a full
stop.
whats there?" asked Frederick.
Here lies a man in the wayl" re-
piled the horsemen.
Dead or living?"
"He does not move; it must be a
corpse. We must remove him from
the road, or the sleigh will not be
able to pass"
They stopped, Oloff and Frederick
descended to remove the obstruc-
ton out of the way.
Father OF ,nercies! It is Henry!"
exclaimed Frederick, having bent
himself down, as il about to raise the
body. Henry, art thou yet living? IL
there be but one spark Of life in thee,
I entreat thee, give me answer"
He knelt weeping, close by the
frozen sufferer, raised his head,
pressed it against his breast, and en-
deavored to warm the cold and pale
countenance Of his friend.
whats the matter?" the Countess
now called out impatiently.
Lodoiska had heard the exclama-
ton OF Frederick, and had sprang
out of the low sleigh.
do you find your unhappy friend
here?" she asked in trembling voice
as she witnessed Frederick's anxiety.
"A friendl brother, the only one,
DOW frozen, perchance dead! Oh,
Henry; hear mel"
Perhaps there is yet hope!" said
Oloff who had laid his hand upon the
breast of the stranger. Methinks he
breathes yet, We will try what can be
done for him."
mo, mol he is dead, he is lostl" ex-
claimed Frederick, almost distracted.
This blow is more than I can bear.
In the agony OF his distress he
pressed the cold form Of his friend to
his heart.
I'VE will take the unfortunate man
into the Sleigh" said Lodoiska, his
powers may return il We cover him
up warm. In an hour we shall reach
the castle, and then no means shall
be left untried to awaken him to life"
Frederick seized her hand, and
pressed it to his lips, Oloff and Fred
erick raised the motionless body and
carried it to the sleigh.
MY God!" what means this!" ex-
claimed the Countess Dolgrof, what
have we to do with this dead body?"
Mother" said Lodoiska, there is
yet life in the body. Perhaps we may
yet save him."
1T Is impossiblel" replied the
Countess, do you not hear the
wolves? We are in danger, we must
not now overburden the sleigh; and
besides there is no room. Make haste
and come in, / command you'll"
Frederick threw himself down at
Lodoiska's feet exclaiming: by all
that is sacred, entreat you to save
my friend. II you will not save him,
leave me also and we will perish to-
setherl" His tears chol1ed further
utterance. The bowling OF the wolves
were now distinctly heard; and the
Countess repeated her orders Oloff
reseat yourself and hurry forward
obey my orders. Let those remain
who will" she uttered vehemently.
Lodoiska stood i'm terrible conflict
with herself. We'll, them she said,
after a powerful struggle with her
feelings, thus must myself decide.
II must add to my misery the pow
erful name OF Princess Ochalskoi, for
once at least it shall stand me in good
stead. To me belong these horses.
these serfs; you know your Princess,
your mistress. Upon your life, now
command you not to leave this help
less being behind you. Hasten! save
yourself and your friend with us!"
Oloff aided Frederick in lifting Henry
upon the seat, where Frederick COW
cred himwith his own furs, and clasped
him firmly in his arms. Lodoiska had
already seated herself in the sleigh.
Oloif took the reins in his hands, and
they were soon crashing through the
brushwood again. Suddenly "A large
and powerful wolf darted out OF the
thicket and made fearful spring at
the horses. But the adroit Olof
stretched the beast upon the ground
at the very moment, it would have
fastened it fangs into the throat OF
the leader. The darkness OF the for
est was relieved: they had arrived at
a place covered only with low bushes.
The sleigh flew rapidly along the
route well hardened by more frequent
use. 1t soon turned into straight
alley; and in few minutes the castle
lay before them,
Olofr drove up before the door, out
OF which two aged servants were ad-
vancing with lanterns, for they had
heard the loud cracking OF the whips.
The servants assisted the ladies in
getting ont of the sleigh.
Silent and without acknowledge
ment the Countess leant on the arms
OF the servants with the lanterns, and
entered the door.
Lodoiska lost not a moment In d.
recting immediate attention to be be-
slowed upon Frederick and the un-
happy friend. Then she turned to
and said: Here you are
my guest, this castle belongs to me;
IL heaven preserves you through this
trying visitation, / trust you will here
pass many an hour in tranquility and
happiness.
as he held Henry's head in his arms,
turned to reply, when Henry moved
and drew a deep sigh:
He livesi" exclaimed he in the
widest agitation and regardless OF all
else. BLESSED be God he liyesl he
livesl"
"Where am II" asked Henry, OPEN
ing his eyes.