Page 125 - A Jacobite Exile

Chapter 7

: Exchanged.

Late in the afternoon, Doctor Kelly came in again to the cell.

"Come along," he said; "I have got lave for you to have supper with me,
and have given my pledge that you won't try to escape till it is over, or

make any onslaught on the garrison, but will behave like a quiet and
peaceable man."

"You are quite safe in giving the pledge, doctor," Charlie laughed.

"Come along then, me boy, for they were just dishing up when I came to
fetch you. It is cold enough outside, and there is no sinse in putting cold
victuals into one in such weather as this."

They were not long in reaching a snugly-furnished room, where a big fire

was burning. Another gentleman was standing, with his back to it. He was a
man of some seven or eight and twenty, with large features, dark brown
hair falling in natural curls over his ears, and large and powerful in build.

"This is my friend, Charlie Carstairs," the doctor said.

"This, Carstairs, is Peter Michaeloff, a better doctor than most of those who
mangle the czar's soldiers."

"Things will better in time," the other said, "when your pupils begin to take

their places in the army."

"I hope so," the doctor said, shrugging his shoulders. "There is one comfort,

they can't be much worse."

At this moment a servant entered, bearing a bowl of soup and three basins.
They at once seated themselves at the table.