Page 276 - A Jacobite Exile

"The governor there was most kind, and all the arrangements of the prison
seem excellent. I had no reason whatever to complain. The governor was

good enough to come frequently himself to talk to me. He is a fine soldierly
man, and though he did not say much, I think he is eating his heart out at

being laid on the shelf there, instead of aiding to fight the battles of his
country."

The Russian took out a pocketbook and made a note, then he rose.

"It is time for bed," he said. "I am up at daybreak."

"I hope I shall see you often in the prison," Charlie said. "I suppose I shall

go in there tomorrow morning. I am indebted to you, indeed, for the very
great kindness you have shown me."

"No, you will not go in early. I have got leave for you for another day, and I
am going to take you for a drive in the morning. You will be called an hour

before sunrise. Take your breakfast as soon as you are dressed. Do not wait
for me. I have work to do before I start, and shall breakfast elsewhere."

As soon as Charlie had breakfasted the next morning, a Cossack told him
that the carriage was below, and he followed him to the door where he had

entered on the previous evening. The carriage was a simple one, but the
three horses harnessed abreast to it were magnificent animals. Charlie stood

admiring them for some little time.

"I should think," he said to himself, "the doctor must be a man of large

property, and most likely of noble family, who has taken up his profession
from pure love of it. He is evidently full of energy, and has an intense

desire to see Russia greater and higher in the rank of nations. I suppose
that, like Kelly, he is one of the principal medical officers in the army.
Certainly he must be a man of considerable influence to obtain my transfer

here so easily, and to see that I travelled so comfortably. I wonder where he
is going to take me this morning."