Page 110 - A Jacobite Exile

commanded by Captain Jervoise, an Englishman. I do not say that they are
braver than our Swedes; they have not been tested in any desperate service;

but they are healthier and more hardy, for their officers, since the battle of
Narva, have kept them engaged in sports of all kinds--mimic battles, foot

races, and other friendly contests. I have marked them at it several times,
and wondered sometimes at the rough play. But it has had its effect. While
the rest of Suborn's regiment suffered as much from fever as the other

troops, scarce a man in this company was sick, and they have, all the
winter, been fit for arduous service at any moment."

"That is good indeed, and I will remember it, and will see that, another
winter, similar games are carried on throughout the army. Let the company

be paraded at once. I will, myself, inspect them."

The company's call was sounded, and, surprised at a summons just as they
were cooking their dinners, the troops fell in, in front of their quarters, and
the officers took their places in front of them, and waited for orders.

"I wonder what is up now," Nigel Forbes said to Harry. "You have not

heard anything, from your father, of our being wanted, have you?"

"No; he was just as much surprised as I was, when a sergeant ran up with

Schlippenbach's order that the company were to fall in."

Five minutes after they had formed up, three officers were seen
approaching on foot.

"It is the colonel himself," Forbes muttered, as Captain Jervoise gave the
word to the men to stand to attention.

A minute later, Captain Jervoise gave the order for the salute, and Harry
saw that the tall young officer, walking with the colonel, was the king.

Without speaking a word, Charles walked up and down the line, narrowly
inspecting the men, then he returned to the front.