Page 120 - A Jacobite Exile

It was morning when he woke and, for a short time, he was unable to
imagine where he was, but soon recalled what had happened. He had been

visited by someone after he had lain down, for a platter of bread and meat
stood on the table, and a jug of water. He was also covered with two thick

blankets. These had not been there when he lay down, for he had wondered
vaguely as to how he should pass the night without some covering.

He took a long draught of water, then ate some food. His head throbbed
with the pain of the wound. It had been roughly bandaged by his captors,

but needed surgical dressing.

"I wonder how long I am likely to be, before I am exchanged," he said to

himself. "A long time, I am afraid; for there are scores of Russian officers
prisoners with us, and I don't think there are half a dozen of ours captured

by the Russians. Of course, no exchange can take place until there are a
good batch to send over, and, it may be, months may pass before they
happen to lay hands on enough Swedish officers to make it worth while to

trouble about exchanging them."

An hour later the door opened, and an officer entered, followed by a soldier
with a large bowl of broth and some bread.

"I am a doctor," he said in Swedish. "I came in to see you yesterday
evening, but you were sound asleep, and that was a better medicine than

any I can give; so I told the man to throw those two barrack rugs over you,
and leave your food in case you should wake, which did not seem to me
likely. I see, however, that you did wake," and he pointed to the plate.

"That was not till this morning, doctor. It is not an hour since I ate it."

"This broth will be better for you, and I daresay you can manage another
breakfast. Sit down and take it, at once, while it is hot. I am in no hurry."

He gave an order in Russian to the soldier, who went out, and returned in a

few minutes with a small wooden tub, filled with hot water. By this time
Charlie had finished the broth. The doctor then bathed his head for some