A REMARKABLE INSTANCE OF FIDELITY IN A SERVANT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7782, 30 October 1886, Page 2 (Supplement)

A REMARKABLE INSTANCE OF FIDELITY IN A SERVANT.

In the winter of the year 1770, the Count and Countess Podotsky being on their way from Venice to Cracow, the wolves, which are very numerous in the Carpathian Mountains, and, when the cold is very severe, are more bold and savage than usual, came down in hordes, and pursued the carriage between the towns of Oswiesk and Zator, the latter of which is only a few leagues from Cracow. Of two servants, one was sent on before to bespeak post horses; the other, whom the Count particularly esteemed for his fidelity, seeing the wolves come nearer and nearer, begged his master to permit him to leave his horse, by which their rage would, in some measure be satisfied, and they would gain time to reach Zator. The Count consented; the tiervant mounted behind the carriage and let his horse go, which was soon seized by the wolves and torn into a thousand pieces. Meanwhile the travellers proceeded with all the speed they could, in hopes to reach the town, from which they were not far distant. But the horses were tired, and tha wolves, now that they had tasted blood, became more savage than ever, and almost overtook the carriage. In this extreme necessity the servant cried out "There is only one means of deliverance; I will go and meet the wolves, if you will swear to provide for my wife and children. 1 must perish ; but while they fall upon me you will escape." Podotsky hesitated to comply ; but as there was no prospect of escape he consented, and solemnly vowed that if he would sacrifice himself for their safety he would competently provide for his family. The servant immediately got down, I went to meet the wolves, and was devoured. The Count reached the gates of Zator, and was saved. He did not, however, forget his ! i word ; but conscientiously kept the vow he j ' made to his faithful servant. '