Page 211 - A Jacobite Exile

"They may," he said. "But it is seldom that bands, when they once disperse
like this, ever come together again. It is impossible to content everyone,

and any man who is chosen leader of a party may, if he is dissatisfied,
persuade those with him to join some other band. Even if they do not go in

a body, many are sure to break off and make for their homes, to enjoy the
booty they have gathered.

"But, upon the other hand, as we go we shall gather up fresh recruits. With
so many disbanded soldiers and discontented men roaming the country,

there is no difficulty in getting as many men as one cares to keep together.

"Fifty is the outside that is advisable, for with more, even if one makes a

good haul, it comes to so little, a head, that the men are dissatisfied. Of
course they work in small parties, but this does not succeed so well as when

a small band are under a single leader."

"How long have you been at this work?"

"Since last autumn."

"And you find it pay?"

"We do not get much in money. As you saw, there were but four rix dollars
a head, and that is the result of a month's work. Still, that is not bad for men

who might otherwise starve. Sometimes we do worse and sometimes better,
but that is about the average. Still, the life is a pleasant one, and unless we
disbanded soldiers took to it, what would there be for us to do? If

government would keep us on regular pay, there would soon be no brigands
left, except the men who have escaped from justice. But the treasury is

empty, and, even at the best of times, the troops are badly and irregularly
paid, and are forced to plunder to keep life together. They are almost in
rags, and though we Poles do not mind fighting, there is generally a

difficulty in getting sufficient infantry. As for the cavalry, they are nobles,
and draw no pay.

"How do you feel today?"