Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 185, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 August 1915 — DID HIS DUTY AS GUARDIAN [ARTICLE]

DID HIS DUTY AS GUARDIAN

Adviser to Youthful King of Sweden Proved Himself the. Right Man for the Position.

King Charles XII of Sweden, who came to the throne at the early age of fifteen, went out riding one time in company with his cousin, the duke of Holstein, and a few other gentlemen of the court. On the way they came upon a pile of timber standing by the roadside. The duke of Holstein suggested to the king that the company try their skill riding over the pile on their horses. Charles assented, and insisted upon being the first to go over. But just as he was about to dig his spurs into his horse, tells Das Buch suer Alle, Count Wachtmeister seized the bridle and said to the king: "Don’t try to ride over that!” The duke of Holstein became angry. “How dare you cross the wishes of the king?” he exclaimed. Calmly Wachtmeister answered: "Say what you will, my king shall not do it.” Holstein then reined up to him and replied wrathfully: "You do not seem to know to whom you are speaking.” “Oh, yes,” said the other, laughing scornfully, *1 am speaking with the duke of Holstein. But will you kindly recall that you are addressing Count Wachtmeister, the royal adviser? And as I said before, my king shall not break his neck by such a wild and dangerous jump. Perhaps you were thinking of becoming king of Sweden in that event. But you won’t so long as Hans Wachtmeister lives.”

Jusfc then the young king, who was standing by listening to the discussion, rode up to his adviser, and tapping him on the shoulder approvingly, said to the company: “No, gentlemen,. I guess we won’t jump that pile. It Is a bit dangerous.” And with that they continued on their way in silence—Youth’s Companion.