The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1878-07-25

The attendant returned with the per-
son demanded. -
"Can you sing us the ballad of the
slave and the liOn?e' asked Radbod.
1.-THE story Of Androcles, who was
condemned to the lions at Rome under
the Emperor sNero?'' answered the
monk. THAT slave did not know the
only true God. cannot sing that; but
l know the story Of one who died with
joy even in the clutch of the lions, be-
cause he was honoring his Savior"
! "Smg us that song" cried the King.
And the hall resounded with applause.
Whilst the monk sang this hymn the
assembly kept profound silence. Fos-
tedina's eyes were filed with tears. She
envied the blessed martyr who had won
such crown, though at the price of his
own blood. Aigil, the son Of the King,
a noble young man. seated opposite his
father, was greatly moved.
But cruel light burned in the eyes
of the priest. II he had not been re-
strained by the presence of the King,
he would have plunged his dagger in the
heart of the bard. And his rage was
increased when he heard voice near
him murmur: May it please God tina,
l may wear that glorious crown"
+ 1t was the voice of Fostedina. The
priest said nothing; but his expression
showed that he had heard her words.
Suddenly the priest rose from his
seat. s.Cursed be that songr' he
cried. "And cursed be the singer! l,
is IN insult to our gods. Our fathers
happy in Walhalla, were never Chris
t;ans. Take your cups and drink. Hur
rah! Here's to the health of the gods
IF our ancestors"
"Hurrah! Odinr' cried out the ban
queters. Radbod, all his remorst
passed away, emptied his cup at sin
gle draught.. ! q, i
"A pretty story" cried the King
"The bard'has given us good idea
We shall have the same pleasure as the
Roman Emperor. There are twenty
nine apostates in prison. Bid then
come here, and if they will not Civ.
up Christianity they shall fight tn,
wolves"
When the prisoners were brough
into the banqueti..g hall, the Kins
cried: "Danish dogs! You have re
jected the gods of your ancestors ant
deserve to be burned. But l will par
don you on one conditions: that vol
give up the Christian religion and hon
or Odin. If not, You shall be delivere,
to the wolves. What is your answer?'
asked the King, after moment of 81
lence.
One young man stepped forward
boldly: 81 don't know what my com
panions may say; but as for me l wisl
to serve Jesus"
"And ~ tsAnd Ir' cried numer
Gus voices. Some, however, were 81
lent.
They are divided" cried the priest
Let those among yon who renounc'
Christ hold up your hands,
Eight young men timidly raised thci
left hands, covering their faces with thu
other.
Take back the twenty-one to pris
on" said the King. "The others arr
to be put at liberty"
"Glory be to the Father. to the Sol
and to the Holy Ghost" cried the TWEEN
ty-one prisoners, Is they were LEI
away.
Hallelujah! Amenr' cried tn,
monk. 'eWe have the crown of glory!
1.-The crown of glory" murmure,
FOstedina, covering her face to hid,
the tears. She fled into an adjoinin.
room, and, falling on her knees, cried
80, my God! give me courage. Civ,
me the crown IF glory"
"Thou shalt have thy CROWN" NUT
tered the priest, who had followed her
unObserved.
The next day a round place was en-
closed with wooden stakes and posts
troops sent to the forest for wolves an,
wild bears, and the day after was fixe'
for the bloody spectacle.
The young martyrs in their darl
prison heard the sound of axes ant
hammers, and knew what the nois
portended. But they cons0led eacl
other with the wordsof Jesus and tn
martyrss - sss
AS they were talking. suddenly
sound came at one of the narrow win
dows. Craskt crack! 1t is opened,
fresh wind comes in, and laddc
| drops.
"save yourselves. There is anothe
ladder outside. Ask no question. Il
quick. And may God protect YOU"
The Danes silently obeyed, left tn
prison, and, guided by the stars, wen
in southerly direction. God favore'
their fight. -
The sun arose. The massive Oake
gate turned on its hinges, and the stew
ard of Radbod entered. He thought h
saw goddess. and stopped. as if petri
fed.
"Don't be afraid, Hedo. 1t isl"
"What! Fostedina! What has hap
pened?''' ,se%n,
She pointed to the open window an
the ladder. Ia
-; |: g!s:!hsppy gltl. wh.taahsve 20
"My liis: Is IN the hands of God,
she answered. calmly. elf He permit
ma to weaf the crown of glory, shal
rejoice" Il
The steward was moved with CON
passion and begged her to fee. Sud
denly they heard the Bound of trumpets
An officer At He guard, with a troop Q
Harmed men, entered. They wer
anazed at WHIT had happened, and le
Festedine away 70 the King.
Radb0d and his son, Adgil. the priest
Thendebald. and Others sat in confer
ence when they entered. ~ :
WhA&a3SlyAE 10de! My daughter?'
exclaisaAd th9 (;6iel rising from hi
seal Sc is face ss;,s with III! hi