New Ulm weekly review., 1886-12-22
AChris tmas Par " in Sweden.

AChris stnas Par ty in Sweden.
The fortress Of Bohus, formerly so
important to the North, still belonged
to Denmark in the year 1902. The
month of December in that year was
remarkable for its severity. Even
across the river Goetha the ice had
tormed a bridge from fortress to skar-
dalen, so that it was with great diff
guilty the troogs kept open the neces-
sary channels for the defence of the
castle.
The sun had just risen, and glistened
on the crystals OF the frozen panes in
Otto Rud's castle, where the light
hearted knight sat making merry
with his wife, Carry Bilde. Lady Car
~ was to-day burdened with Christ
mas care. With the customary bunch
Of keys rustling at her slender waist,
she fitted to and fro, attended by her
house maidens. It was in the days
before Christmas, the busiest week in
the whole year, especially so for a lady
Of castle, who in those days consid-
bred herself mistress of the whole
household, comprising all the inmates
from the lord to the groom. But this
hustle did not keep the noble lady
from an occasional wrangle with her
lord.
If you open the door once more,
Lady Carry, without shuttingit, Ishall
nave to put you in ironsH
"And if you don't shut it yourself,
then the Lent shall commence for you
even to-day, you lazy gold-beard," re-
torted the wife laughing and finglng
the door wide open.
With q bound Otto Rud was by her
side, clasplng her in his arms and
pressing a kiss upon her lips. "Do
you see, keep my word? Now you
are imprisoned"
"But I shall release myself" ex-
claimed the wife, endeavoring to free
herself from the Knights embrace.
At the same moment he received a.
slight touch on his side, and heard a.
feeble voice
..Release my mother or you will get
a drubbing!"
1t was the little esquire, Gudmar,
the Knights son, taking the first step
in the chivalrous career with his small
wooden sword, to protect the weaker
against the stronger.
"Eh, little one," Exclaimed the hap
py father, II perceive that there are
treachery and sedition in progress.
Wife and son enter into conspiracy
against their father and master.
Lady! I shall quit this treasonable
castle and leave you to repentance"
II have no objection, you hard
hearted warrior, and in q moment I
shall order the three crowns to be
holsted in the tower, and surrender
the castle to Sten Sture."
II trust you to that, you traitress.
But to prevent your malignant pur-
pose | now, in full earnest, will put
you in irons;" and another kiss and
embrace choked the word rising to
her lips.
"And you, you urchin," turning to
the boy, 'accustom yourself in time
to the use OF the sword; but turn it
not against your father or your coun-
trymen.'
'No, sir, I'll never do that" pro-
tested the boy, and drew himself
around the neck Of his father, asking
eagerly, "But may [ not slay all the
,Swedes?"
eyes, when they are your enemies"
"But how shall l know when they
are my enenies?"
"When they call you Danish fox,
point at you with the sword, or do
by your mother what was doing my
self lately"
"Fy, Ottop' interrupted the lady,
fixing q glance OF gentle displeasure on
the laughing face OF her husband,
This pleasant scene was suddenly
and rudely broken in by a. half-grown
lad, who reported the return of a mes
'senger dispatched some days before.
The messenger himself, a young man
with curly hair, then stepped in.
''It was q good ride you had, Einar,"
exclaimed the Knight; "you have not
spared the spurs, and therefore you
shall now have a good Yule-drink.
Now, has the great snake out there in
the Bullar sea shown himself? and
what news do you bring from my jol-
,ly companions at Olsborg? Did you
see the Prince?"
ayes, SIRE" replied the messenger
handing the Knight package OF
papers fastened by silk band and
sealed with wax.
The knight opened the document
and ran his eyes over it. His brow
sdarkened Immediately, while he NUT
tered half aloud: "Well, the Prince
will have it so"-and the usual smiling
expression returned directly.
Garry, you and your rebe1lious
son will have to consume the Christ
mas-cheer alone this year. ] hope,'
The added, while his features reas-
tsumed their earnest expression "that
in future years we shall eat it as hith-
,erto."