Page 238 - A Jacobite Exile

"This, count, is the leader of the party. He has shown me very great
kindness, and has proved a true friend. From what I have seen of him, I

have no doubt whatever that, in spite of certain acts of lawlessness to which
he and his friends have been driven of late, you will find him, in any

position you may be good enough to give him, an honest and thoroughly
trustworthy man."

"I will bear it in mind," the count said. "Now, the sooner we are off, the
better. How far is it to the next village?"

"About seven miles, count."

The count gave orders for the sledge to be taken on to the road again.

"One moment," the captain said, taking Charlie aside. "Pray tell us, in a few
words, what has happened. The burning of the tree is a mystery to us, and
we shall die of curiosity if we have to remain here for another two months

with the matter unexplained."

In as few words as possible, Charlie related to the men the story of the
preceding night, which was greeted with exclamations of surprise and
admiration.

"Truly, you have your wits about you," the captain said. "I should have

been frozen to death, if I had been in your position, for I should certainly
never have thought of lighting a fire up in a tree.

"Well, goodbye, if we do not see you again, may all good fortune attend
you, and may the saints protect you from all danger."

Charlie shook hands with the men all round, and then hurried down to the
sledge. The coachman was already in the front seat, the countess and her

child had taken their places, and the two armed servants and Stanislas were
standing behind, in readiness to jump on to a board fastened above the

runners.