Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1897-07-13

Awakened ly the ro..r Of artillery. Carl
started from the ground where, like
many others. he had passed the night
In slumber, and, although yet early,
found the streets thronRed with thou
sands Of inhabitants. eyineing their ell.
thusiasm in every possible manner. As
the day wore on Carl mingled with
train who were proceeding to the pal
ace, and from his smart attire and
handsome figure contrived, although
unintentionally, to pass the guard and
enter the vestibule. The poor fellow,
bewildered and delighted with the mag-
nificence which on every hand sur
rounded him, kept wandering about, re-
gardless as he was ignorant Of all eti-
quette, jostling and pushing aside no.
bles, ladies, officers and other function
aries-in short all who impeded him.
At length, having entered the great
...i,ry, MS simple costume attracted
the gaze and called up the astonishment
of the assembled multitude. Murmurs
upon murmurs rose all around, but still
Carl kept advancing. He was ignorant
Of the storm then gathering and had
proceeded as far as the door Of the hall
of audience when the officer in waiting
demanded his name and business. He
| was about to reply when catching a
glance OF Christine, his enthusiasm
knew no bounds, and pushing the officer
aside he rushed into the royal presence,
seized the hand which at that moment
was extended to the president Of the
senate and pressed it to his lips
At sight Of Carl and his boldness
Christine uttered u scream and with
drew her hard, while hundred arms
were in a moment raised to chastise the
peasant slave who had insnlted the
officer and aspired TO an honor reserved
but for the titled and the .ich. And
such was the crime for which he was
thus disgraced--a crime arising from
his ignorance and which merited not 70
ignominious punishment.
When the last blow bad fallen. he
bounded from the hands Of the guards,
and casting his eyes toward the palace
exclaimed. II swear before God. Chris
tine. that day will come when l shall
kiss thy royal handl" Then, regarding
bis punishcr with look Of ferocity, lie
dashed wildly through the crowd.
The next day the miner had quilted
Stockholm. but he was never again
heard Of at Norlerg.
Five years after this two prisoners,
the one yOung man OF some six and
twenty years, accused Of robbery. the
other the h, nd Of band Of highway
men, together confined in dungeon Of
the fort Of fredericksburg, were thus
conversine:
"Ah, said the young man, what ]
regret most is that shall never again
behold her love. ~
Child" replied the robber, ''in
few years thou wilt be liberated. Do
not despair, for il she thou lowest is
really faithful you may yet be happy.
Listen. Our young and beautiful queen
once ordered 10 blows 10 be admins
tered to the shoulders of "a poor fellow
who, struck with an uncOnquerable pas
sion for her, dared to respectfully press
his coarsc lips tn her dainty fingers. and
for WI lch he was disgraced Us II he had
committed crime Of the most daring |
character. But he swore before God
that day would arrive when the hand |
which had been refused him should be
pressed to his lips and the mouth which |
commanded his punishment would sue
to hin for mercy.
- nat day 80 much desired seemed as |
il it'woald never arrive, but It came mt
last II was during the chase when the
queen in her ardor became separated
from her companions, and she found
herself alone in the middle Of deep
forest. Suddenly she was surrounded
by baud Of robbers. who seized her |
courser. ignorant of her quality. Re |
spect met she cried. i am your queenp |
The words fell like lightning on my
heart. The hour Of retribution had ar
rived. Look on me. said. DO yon
not remember me? / am Carl, the poor
miner who once presumed to kiss thy
pretty hand, and for which you ordered
him to be scoureed in the face Of all
Stockholm on thy natal day, but swore
before God that day would arrive
when I should press it TO my lips. II
has arrived, and my oath shall now be
accomplished. l advanced toward her.
but my heart failed me, and l wept like
Q child.
'Prostrate thyself, said she, recov.
ering her wonted dignity and courage.
'Those whom l permit to salute my
hand must approach OIL bended knee.
"She extended to me her hand. and
kneeling l pressed it to my lips, proud
and happy that had fulfilled my oath.
Ideparted, first having conducted her 10
the right path. The next day and my
companions were surprised and taken.
But, never mind-I still hold it as
truth, for experience has proved 1t, that
in love we should never despair. There
is always u favorable moment, and all
that is necessary is TO be watchful, and
when it does arrive to permit it not to
escape us. DO not despair. hope yet
to see many happy hours.
The jailer orcred the door Of the pris.
on and pronounced the name Of Carl.
"Along. my lad!" cried he to the
prisoner.
Carl was about to reply, but was pre-
vented by the keeper continuing:
"Hush 1t is useless. The gallows Is
ready, and the executioner awaits you. "
New York News.