Page 165 - A Jacobite Exile

"It was not a slip of the tongue. Here is a commission, signed by his
majesty, appointing you to the rank of captain, as he has long considered

that you had well won your promotion, by your suggestion which enabled
him to cross the Dwina without loss; but he thought there would be a

difficulty in placing you over the heads of so many officers senior to
yourself. This inconvenience no longer exists, now that you have what may
be considered a staff appointment, and the rank may, moreover, add to your

weight and influence in your interviews with persons at Warsaw.

"You will need money. Here is a purse for your expenses. You may meet
with some of these men, especially among the Jewish traders, who may
need a bribe. Bribery is common, from the highest to the lowest, in Poland.

You will find, in this letter of instructions, that you are authorized to
promise sums of money to men whose assistance may be valuable. It is

impossible to fix the sums. These must depend upon the position of the
men, and the value of their services; and I can only say do not be lavish, but
at the same time do not hesitate to promise a sum that will secure the

services of useful men. Your best plan will be to find out, if you are able,
what each man expects, and to make what abatement you can. The only

limit placed is that you must not commit the royal treasury to a total sum
exceeding ten thousand crowns. You will, I hope, find a smaller sum
suffice.

"The envoy will start at six tomorrow morning. I do not know that there are

any further instructions to give you. You will find details, in these written
instructions, as to the manner in which you are to communicate, from time
to time, the result of your mission, and you will receive orders when to

return."

Outside the house, Charlie saw his new servant waiting him.

"You have a horse, Stanislas?"

"Yes, sir, I have been provided with one. I have also a brace of pistols, and

a sword."