Page 183 - A Jacobite Exile

an insurrection was intended, and will offer me my freedom, if I will give
such testimony. As I am altogether in his power, the only thing to do is to

pretend to be a great deal worse than I am, and so to gain time, till I am
strong enough to try to get away from this place."

All this was not arrived at, at once, but was the result of half-dreamy
cogitation extending over hours, and interrupted by short snatches of sleep.

He was conscious that, from time to time, someone came into the room and
spoke to his guard; and that, three or four times, wine was poured between

his lips. Once he was raised up, and fresh cloths, dipped in water, and
bandages applied to his head.

In the evening, two or three men came in, and he believed that he
recognized the voice of one of them as that of Ben Soloman. One of the

men addressed him suddenly and sharply in Swedish.

"How are you feeling? Are you in pain? We have come here to give you

your freedom."

Charlie was on his guard, and remained silent, with his eyes closed.

"It is of no use," Ben Soloman said in his own language. "The fellow is still

insensible. The clumsy fool who hit him would fare badly, if I knew who
he was. I said that he was to be knocked down, silenced, and brought here;

and here he is, of no more use than if he were dead."

"He will doubtless come round, in time," another said in an apologetic tone.

"We will bring him round, if you will have patience, Ben Soloman."

"Well, well," the other replied, "a few days will make no difference; but
mind that he is well guarded, directly he begins to gain strength. I will get
him out of the town, as soon as I can. Allan Ramsay has laid a complaint,

before the mayor, that his countryman has been attacked by a band of
ruffians, and has been either killed or carried off by them. It is a pity that

servant of his was not killed."