Page 137 - A Jacobite Exile

burst of cheering when we told them the news. Cunningham and Forbes
would have ridden out with me; but Cunningham is on duty, and Forbes

thought that we should like to have a chat together."

On his arrival, Charlie was heartily welcomed by Captain Jervoise and the
men of the company, who cheered lustily as he rode up.

"You are to go and see the king at once," Captain Jervoise said as he
dismounted. "I believe he wants to hear, especially, how you were treated.

Make the best of it you can, lad. There is no occasion for the feeling of
Charles against the Russians being embittered."

"I understand," Charlie said. "I will make things as smooth as I can."

He walked quickly to the little house where the king had taken up his
quarters. There was no sentry at the door, or other sign that the house
contained an occupant of special rank. He knocked at the door, and hearing

a shout of "Enter," opened it and went in.

"Ah, my young ensign; is it you?" the king said, rising from a low settle on
which he was sitting by the fire, talking with Colonel Schlippenbach.

"Hurt somewhat, I see, but not badly, I hope. I was sure that you would not
have been taken prisoner, unless you had been injured."

"I was cut down by a blow that clove my helmet, your majesty, and stunned
me for some time; but, beyond making a somewhat long gash on my skull,

it did me no great harm."

"That speaks well for the thickness of your skull, lad, and I am heartily glad
it is no worse. Now, tell me, how did they treat you?"

"It was a somewhat rough cell into which I was thrown, sir, but I was most
kindly tended by an Irish doctor high in the czar's service, and, when the

czar himself arrived, and learned that I had not been lodged as well as he
thought necessary, I hear he was so angered that he disgraced the general,