Page 250 - A Jacobite Exile

"Yes, we quite understood that, Captain Carstairs. You had a very narrow
escape from death at his hands, and, as the danger was incurred purely in

the king's service, it will not be forgotten. Up to the time when the Jew
organized the attack upon you in Warsaw, I was well satisfied with your

reports of your work. So far nothing has come of it, as Augustus has been
too strong for any movement against him, but we hope, ere long, to defeat
him so decisively that our friends will be able to declare against him. I will

inform the king of your return, and I have no doubt he will be glad to hear
your story from your own lips. He loves tales of adventure, and time hangs

somewhat heavily on hand, as, until the frost breaks, nothing can be done in
the field."

On the following day, indeed, Charlie was sent for to the royal quarters,
and had to recount the story of his adventures in full to the king, who was

highly interested in them, and at the conclusion requested him to introduce
Count John Staroski, in order that he might express to him his obligation
for the service he had rendered to one of his officers. This done, Charlie

drove out with the count to the village where Colonel Jamieson's regiment
was quartered, and where his return was received with delight by Harry,

and with great pleasure by Major Jervoise and his fellow officers. He was
obliged to give a short outline of what he had been doing since he left, but
put off going into details for a future occasion.

"And are you coming back to us now, Charlie?" Harry asked.

"Certainly. My success in the diplomatic way was not sufficiently marked
for them to be likely to employ me in that line again. We must return this

afternoon, as the king has invited us both to sup with him tonight."

Two days later, Count John Staroski started upon his return journey, much
pleased with the reception he had met with from the King of Sweden, and
determined to work vigorously, among the nobles of his acquaintance, to

bring about the dethronement of Augustus of Saxony. Charlie had already
seen Count Piper, who had told him that, although the king and himself

were both well satisfied with the work he had done, there was not at present
any mission of the same sort on which he could be employed. Indeed, it