Page 178 - A Jacobite Exile

influence one way or another, and Augustus, at this time, would not care to
make fresh enemies. However, lad, I will not further dispute your decision.

Were I quite alone, I would not let you leave me, so long as you stop in this
city, without taking great offence; but, with a wife and two children, a man

is more timid than if he had but himself to think of."

Charlie therefore moved into the lodging, but every day he went for three

or four hours to the shop, where he kept up his assumed character by aiding
to keep the ledgers, and in learning from the Polish assistants the value of

the various goods in the shop.

One evening, he was returning after supper to his lodging, when Stanislas

met him.

"I observed three or four evil-looking rascals casting glances at the house
today, and there are several rough-looking fellows hanging about the house
this evening. I do not know if it means anything, but I thought I would let

you know."

"I think it must be only your fancy, Stanislas. I might be arrested by the
troops, were I denounced, but I apprehend no danger from men of the class
you speak of. However, if we should be interfered with, I fancy we could

deal with several rascals of that sort."

At the corner of his street, three or four men were standing. One of them
moved, as he passed, and pushed rudely against him, sending his hat into
the gutter. Then, as his face was exposed, the fellow exclaimed:

"It is he, death to the Swedish spy!"

They were the last words he uttered. Charlie's sword flew from its
scabbard, and, with a rapid pass, he ran the man through the body. The

others drew instantly, and fell upon Charlie with fury, keeping up the shout
of, "Death to the Swedish spy!" It was evidently a signal--for men darted

out of doorways, and came running down the street, repeating the cry.