Page 126 - A Jacobite Exile

"So you managed to get yourself captured yesterday," Doctor Michaeloff
said to Charlie. "I have not had the pleasure of seeing many of you

gentlemen here."

"We don't come if we can help it," Charlie laughed. "But the Cossacks were
so pressing, that I could not resist. In fact, I did not know anything about it,
until I was well on the way."

"I hope they have made you comfortable," the other said, sharply.

"I can't say much for the food," Charlie said, "and still less for the cell,
which was bitterly cold. Still, as the doctor gave me two rugs to wrap

myself up in, I need not grumble."

"That is not right," the other said angrily. "I hear that the King of Sweden
treats our prisoners well.

"You should have remonstrated, Kelly."

The Irishman shrugged his shoulders.

"I ventured to hint to the general that I thought an officer had a right to

better treatment, even if he were a prisoner, but I was told sharply to mind
my own business, which was with the sick and wounded. I said, as the

prisoner was wounded, I thought it was a matter that did come to some
extent under my control."

"What did the pig say?"

"He grumbled something between his teeth, that I did not catch, and, as I
thought the prisoner would not be kept there long, and was not
unaccustomed to roughing it, it was not worthwhile pressing the matter

further."

"Have you heard that an officer has been here this afternoon, with a flag of
truce, to treat for your exchange?" Doctor Michaeloff said, turning