Page 167 - A Jacobite Exile

"Of course it is for that," Charlie replied, "though I think it is very absurd.
Count Piper said the king would have given it to me at once, only it would

have taken me over the heads of so many men older than myself; but he
considered that, now I am going on a sort of staff work, away from the

regiment, I could be promoted, and he thought, too, that the title of Captain
would assist me in my mission."

"Of course it will," Harry said, warmly. "That is just what I told you, you
know. This business was not quite to your liking, but it was a good long

step towards making your fortune. Don't you think that I shall be jealous of
your going ahead, for I am not in the least. I am sorry you are going away,
for I shall miss you terribly; but I am quite content to be with the regiment,

and to work my way up gradually. As it is, I am senior lieutenant in the
regiment, and the first battle may give me my company; though I don't

expect it, for I do not think my father would wish the colonel to give me the
step, if it occurred, for all the other lieutenants are older than we are,
though they are junior to us in the regiment, and I feel sure that he would

prefer me to remain for another two or three years as lieutenant. In fact, he
said as much to me, a short time ago. Still, when I am fit to command a

company, there is no doubt I shall get it.

"Of course, I am sorry you are going, very sorry, Charlie; but, even if you

go altogether on to the staff, I shall see a good deal of you, for, as the king
is always with the army, this must be your headquarters still.

"I wonder how long you will be away. I like the look of the fellow who is
going with you. It was an honest, open sort of face, as far as I saw it. At any

rate, it is a comfort to think that you won't be absolutely alone, especially
among people whose language you don't know. Mind, if you are sending

letters to Count Piper, be sure you send a few lines, by the same messenger,
to let me know how you are going on. Not long letters, you know; I expect
you will have your hands pretty well full; but just enough to give me an

idea of how you are, and what you are doing."

The following morning, Charlie started. He had said goodbye to no one,
except the colonel, Major Jervoise, and Harry, as it was not considered