Page 314 - A Jacobite Exile

"Well, young sirs, the king of Sweden has given you a testimonial as to
your bravery and conduct. If necessary, I will give you one for your

ingenuity in planning and carrying out a difficult scheme.

"So you have both been with the Swedes through their campaign against
the Russians and Poles. I envy you. King Charles' service is a grand school
for soldiers, and that victory of Narva is the most extraordinary one ever

seen. Had you the honour of any personal intercourse with the king?"

"Only during three days, when our company formed part of his escort at a
hunting expedition," Harry, whom he addressed, replied. "But Carstairs
spoke to him more frequently. He has been a captain nearly two years,

while I only had my promotion two months ago. We were in the same
regiment, and of the same rank, but Carstairs was promoted by the king,

after the battle at the passage of the Dwina, as a reward for the suggestion
he made in conversation with him, that the passage might be made under
the screen of smoke caused by the lighting of the forage stacks."

"I must have a long talk with you both. It is certain that, next spring, the

campaign with France will re-open, and your experience in the field will be
very useful to me. The Swedes are wonderful soldiers. The Muscovites, at
present, are little better than barbarians carrying European arms, but the

Saxons are good troops, and the Swedes have twice beaten them heavily,
and they evidently retain the fighting qualities that, under Gustavus

Adolphus, shook the imperial power to its centre.

"The trouble is to find time. I am pestered with men desirous of

employment in the army, with persons who want favours at court, with
politicians of both parties, with people with schemes and intrigues of all

kinds. I have to be in attendance at the palace, and to see into the whole
details of the organization of the army. I have no doubt that, at present, my
antechamber is crowded with people who want to see me."

He looked at his tablets.