The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1906-03-16
A STIRRING EPISODE IN THE
LIFE OF CHARLES u OF
ENGLAND.

caster, was, during the civil war
which preceded the execution of
Charles I, in possession of VIM.
Evelyn, stanch old cavalier and
q widower with one son and daugh-
ter.
Charles II was a fugitive in his
own kingdom. No one, in fact.
knew where the unfortunate prince
was save the Evelyns and few
trustworthy adherents of Charles.
He was at Pannistone hall, DISCUS
ed as a valet to young Evelyn, and
waiting to pass over into Scotland
and thence to France. The old
squire, his son and daughter and
the fugitive prince formed the sole
party gathered round the supper ia
BILE on the Christmas eve which was
the date of this story.
The king was about to speak
when so furious knocking was
heard at the door that all four
started and turned pale. Charles
himself rose hastily from his seat
and stood beside the young squire's
chair. In two minutes the old white
haired butler, who was in the Sc
cret of the kings identity, rushed
into the apartment:
ooh, sir, sir! Oh, your majesty!
The Roundheads, the Roundheads
are here!"
The old squire seemed confound-
ed by the suddenness of the cllam-
ity, when to the surprise of every
body, young Evelyn, who had been
hitherto absorbed and moody, start
ed up as If a, brilliant idea had oc-
Cured to him, seized the kings
hand, and, using gentle violence,
disappeared through concealed
door which lay behind the tapestry.
He led the fugitive prince through
corridor after corridor of the vast
house, until they arrived at a suite
of apartments in the west wing
Then he opened the door which
faced him. Even in the extremity
of his danger, the king started
back amazed. The room within
was exquisitely furnished, and on a
sueprb bed beneath silken canopy,
beautiful girl was sleeping. The
fair sleeper, awakened by the
voices, started from her slumber in
terror. Then, seeing that a second
man accompanied Evelyn, became
overwhelmed with confusion and
hid her beautiful head beneath the
coverlet.
The young man advanced toward
the bed.
Pardon me, my dearest Doro-
thy" he said, "but this is no time
for exacting what is due to you. A
life, a crown, a throne are in i'm
minent peril. This is his majesty,
ing Charles"
Then he hastily explained his
plan. His young wife (for she was
his wife, was to remain perfectly
still, and meanwhile the king would
be concealed at her feet, beneath
the silken coverlet of the bed. Sc
we're was the trial to the poor bride,
not only from her natural modesty,
but because she was of the Round
head party (hence the reason Of
young Evelyn's concealng his mar
riage from his father. Hardly had
Charles been concealed in his hid
ing place when the Roundhead of.
ficer and his soldiers came thunder
ing along the corridor, and knocked
loudly at the door of young Eve.
lyn's chamber, demanding instant
admittance. The young man had
hastily torn off a portion of his own
clothes, so as to make it appear
that he was in the act of retiring
to rest, and In answer to the sum-
mons presented himself at the door
of his apartment.
To his surprise he recognized In
the commanding officer of the Puri.
tans an old schoolfellow.
"Staughton!" he exclaimed.
eyes, it is |, Philip" said the
young officer.
What is your demand?"
"To search these apartments"
"Why, pray?"
I'VE have reason to believe that |
Charles Stuart, who styles himself |
king of England, Is concealed here"
Listen, Staughton. Order your
men to retire a little out of hear
ing"