Page 132 - A Jacobite Exile

"I like him. He has a pleasant face, though I should think he has got a
temper of his own. He has a splendid figure, and looks more like a fighting

man than a doctor. I will write down his name, so as not to forget it, as he
says he might be able to help me if I am ever taken prisoner again, and you

did not happen to be with the army. It is always nice having a friend. Look
at the difference it has made to me, finding a countryman here."

"Yes, you may find it useful, Carstairs; and he has a good deal of influence.
Still, I think it probable that if you ever should get into a scrape again, you

will be able to get tidings of me, for I am likely to be with the advanced
division of our army, wherever it is, as I am in charge of its hospitals.

"You had better turn in now, for I suppose you will be starting early, and I
have two or three patients I must visit again before I go to bed. This is your

room, next to mine. I managed, after all, to get it changed."

"That is very good of you, doctor, but it really would not have mattered a

bit for one night. It does look snug and warm, with that great fire."

"Yes, the stoves are the one thing I don't like in Russia. I like to see a
blazing fire, and the first thing I do, when I get into fresh quarters, is to
have the stove opened so that I can see one. This is a second room of mine.

There were three together, you see, and as my rank is that of a colonel, I
was able to get them, and it is handy, if a friend comes to see me, to have a

room for him."

An hour later, just as Charlie was dozing off to sleep, the doctor put his

head in to the door.

"You are to start at daybreak, Carstairs. My servant will call you an hour
before that. I shall be up. I must put a fresh bandage on your head before
you start."

"Thank you very much, doctor. I am sorry to get you up so early."

"That is nothing. I am accustomed to work at all hours. Good night."