Page 136 - A Jacobite Exile

"There was nothing much to complain of," Charlie said; "and, indeed, the
cell was a palace after the miserable huts in which we have passed the

winter. I am glad, however, the czar gave the general a wigging, for he
spoke brutally to me on my arrival. You may be sure, now, that any

prisoners that may be taken will be well treated; for Doctor Kelly, who has
been extremely kind to me, will certainly take good care of them. As to my
wound, it is of little consequence. It fell on my steel cap, and I think I was

stunned by its force, rather than rendered insensible by the cut itself."

After three hours' riding they came to a village. As soon as they were seen
approaching, there was a stir there. A man riding ahead waved the white
flag that he carried, and, when they entered the village, they found a party

of fifty Swedish cavalry in the saddle.

The Russian escort, as soon as the Swedish officer and Charlie had joined
their friends, turned and rode off. A meal was in readiness, and when
Charlie, who was still feeling somewhat weak from the effects of his

wound, had partaken of it, the party proceeded on their way, and rode into
Marienburg before nightfall.

Two or three miles outside the town, they met Harry Jervoise. Two soldiers
had been sent on at full speed, directly Charlie reached the village, to report

that he had arrived there and was not seriously wounded, and, knowing
about the time they would arrive, Harry had ridden out to meet his friend.

"You are looking white," he said, after the first hearty greeting.

"I am feeling desperately tired, Harry. The wound is of no consequence, but
I lost a good deal of blood, and it is as much as I can do to keep my saddle,

though we have been coming on quietly on purpose. However, I shall soon
be all right again, and I need hardly say that I am heartily glad to be back."

"We have all been in a great way about you, Charlie, for we made sure that
you were very badly wounded. I can tell you, it was a relief when the men

rode in three hours ago, with the news that you had arrived, and were not
badly hurt. The men seemed as pleased as we were, and there was a loud