Page 237 - A Jacobite Exile

"I am Count Nicholas Staroski, and can at least make a substantial return
for the service you have done me. My estates lie some sixty miles to the

north. You will have no difficulty in finding me. Present yourselves there at
Easter. I shall certainly be at my chateau then. I will then talk over what can

be done for you. Those who like to settle down on land shall have land,
those who would like employment in my household shall have it, those who
would prefer money to go their own way and settle in their own villages

shall each have a heavy purse."

Then he turned to Charlie.

"You, sir, as my brother has learned from your brave follower here, are an

English gentleman. To you I owe far heavier obligation than to these
soldiers, for you and your man incurred a terrible risk, and well-nigh

sacrificed your lives for ours. I pray you come with us, and stay with us for
a time. I shall then hear your plans, and your object in visiting this country,
and if I can in any way further them, you may be sure I will do so to the

utmost; for the present, I can promise you at least excellent hunting, and the
heartiest welcome."

"I thank you very heartily, Count Staroski, and accept gladly your
invitation; but I must first speak to the captain of these men, to whom I am

much beholden for the kindness he has shown me."

He went across to Ladislas, who had heard what was said.

"You will not think it ungrateful for me to quit you so suddenly, Ladislas,"

he said in a low voice.

"Assuredly not. You have done us a service, indeed, in thus enabling us to
obtain favour with the count. He is one of our richest and most powerful
nobles, and our fortunes are as good as made."

"I will introduce you to him personally," Charlie said.