Page 151 - A Jacobite Exile

are, of course, money lenders as well as traders. Large numbers of these
petty nobles must be in their debt, either for money lent or goods supplied.

"My agent goes specially charged to deal with the archbishop, who is quite

open to sell his services to me, although he poses as one of the strongest
adherents of the Saxons. With him, it is not a question so much of money,
as of power. Being a wise man, he sees that Augustus can never retain his

position, in the face of the enmity of the great body of the Poles, and of my
hostility. But, while my agent deals with him and such nobles as he

indicates as being likely to take my part against Augustus, you could
ascertain the feeling of the trading class, and endeavour to induce them, not
only to favour me, but to exert all the influence they possess on my behalf.

As there are many Scotch merchants in the city, you could begin by making
yourself known to them, taking with you letters of introduction from your

colonel, and any other Scotch gentleman whom you may find to have
acquaintanceship, if not with the men themselves, with their families in
Scotland. I do not, of course, say that the mission will be without danger,

but that will, I know, be an advantage in your eyes. What do you think of
the proposal?"

"I do not know, sire," Charlie said doubtfully. "I have no experience
whatever in matters of that kind."

"This will be a good opportunity for you to serve an apprenticeship," the

king said decidedly. "There is no chance of anything being done here, for
months, and as you will have no opportunity of using your sword, you
cannot be better employed than in polishing up your wits. I will speak to

Colonel Jamieson about it this evening. Count Piper will give you full
instructions, and will obtain for you, from some of our friends, lists of the

names of the men who would be likely to be most useful to us. You will
please to remember that the brain does a great deal more than the sword, in
enabling a man to rise above his fellows. You are a brave young officer, but

I have many a score of brave young officers, and it was your quick wit, in
suggesting the strategy by which we crossed the Dwina without loss, that

has marked you out from among others, and made me see that you are fit
for something better than getting your throat cut."