Page 190 - A Jacobite Exile

understand much more than this, he concluded, from the peasant's talk and
gestures, that he had either come across some of these men in the forest, or

had gathered from signs he had observed, perhaps from their fires, that they
were there.

The Jew shrugged his shoulders when the narration was finished. The
presence of brigands was a matter of indifference to him. The next day, the

charcoal burner went off at noon.

"Where does he go to?" Charlie asked his guard.

"He has got some charcoal fires alight, and is obliged to go and see to them.

They have to be kept covered up with wet leaves and earth, so that the
wood shall only smoulder," the man said, as he lounged out of the hut to his

usual seat.

Charlie waited a short time, then went to the pile of logs, and picked out a

straight stick about a yard long and two inches in diameter. With one of the
heavier ones he could have killed the man, but the fellow was only acting

under the orders of his employer, and, although he would doubtless, at Ben
Soloman's commands, have roasted him alive without compunction, he had
not behaved with any unkindness, and had, indeed, seemed to do his best

for him.

Taking the stick, he went to the door. He trod lightly, but in the stillness of
the forest the man heard him, and glanced round as he came out.

Seeing the stick in his hand he leaped up, exclaiming, "You young fool!"
and sprang towards him.

He had scarce time to feel surprise, as Charlie quickly raised the club. It
described a swift sweep, fell full on his head, and he dropped to the ground

as if shot.

Charlie ran in again, seized a coil of rope, bound his hands and feet
securely, and dragged him into the hut. Then he dashed some cold water on