Page 294 - A Jacobite Exile

have got it sewn up in my doublet, with my father's letter to Marlborough.
They are too precious to lose, but I can tell you what it is, word for word:

"'By order of King Charles the Twelfth of Sweden. This is to testify, to all

whom it may concern, that Captain Charles Carstairs, and Captain Harry
Jervoise--'"

"Oh, I am glad, Harry!" Charlie interrupted. "It was horrid that I should
have been a captain, for the last year, and you a lieutenant. I am glad,

indeed."

"Yes, it is grand, isn't it, and very good of the king to do it like that. Now, I

will go on--

"'Have both served me well and faithfully during the war, showing great
valour, and proving themselves to be brave and honourable gentlemen, as
may be seen, indeed, from the rank that they, though young in years, have

both attained, and which is due solely to their deserts.'

"What do you think of that?"

"Nothing could be better, Harry. Did you see my father at Gottenburg?"

"Yes. The ship I sailed by went to Stockholm, and I was lucky enough to

find there another, starting for England in a few hours. She touched at
Gottenburg to take in some cargo, and I had time to see Sir Marmaduke,
who was good enough to express himself as greatly pleased that I was

coming over to join you."

"Well, Harry, I am glad, indeed. Before we talk, let us go in and have
supper, that is, if you have not already had yours. If you have, I can wait a
bit."

"No; they told me you had ordered your supper at six, so I told them I

would take mine at the same time; and, indeed, I can tell you that I am
ready for it."