Page 173 - A Jacobite Exile

the old days."

"I am very glad, indeed, to see any friend of Jock Jamieson," Janet Ramsay
said warmly, holding out her hand to Charlie, "though I do not in the least

understand what my husband is talking about, or what your name really is."

"My name is Carstairs, madam. I am a captain in the Swedish service, and

am here on a mission for King Charles. Colonel Jamieson, for he is now
colonel of the regiment to which I belong-- "

"What!" the merchant exclaimed. "Do you mean to say that our Jock
Jamieson is a colonel? Well, well, who would have thought he would have

climbed the tree so quickly?"

"It is a regiment entirely of Scotch and Englishmen," Charlie said; "and he
was promoted, to take its command, only a short time since."

"Well, please to sit down and join us," Mrs. Ramsay said. "It is bad
manners, indeed, to keep you talking while the meat is getting cold on the

table. When you have finished, it will be time enough to question you."

While the meal was going on, however, many questions were asked as to

Colonel Jamieson, the regiment, and its officers.

"As soon as matters are more settled," the merchant said, "I will give
myself a holiday, and Janet and I will go and spend a few days with Jock.
Many of the names of the officers are well known to me, and two or three

of the captains were at Glasgow College with Jock and myself. It will be
like old times, to have four or five of us talking over the wild doings we

had together."

The supper over, the children were sent off to bed. Allan Ramsay lit a long

pipe. A bottle of wine and two glasses were placed on the table, and Mrs.
Ramsay withdrew, to see after domestic matters, and prepare a room for

Charlie.