106 A JACOBITE EXILE

spring to attack the triangle formed by three fortresses, in
order to drive the Russians farther back from the frontier.

“T hear that there are many wolves and bears in the
forest five leagues to the north. I want a party of about
fifty footmen to drive the game, and as many horse, in case
we come across one of the parties of Russians. I want
some hearty, active men for the march. I will send the
foot on this afternoon, and ride with the horse so as to
get there by daybreak. Which is your best company of
infantry?”

“My best company is one composed chiefly of Scotch-
men, though there are some English among them. It
belongs to the Malmoe Regiment, and is commanded by
Captain Jervoise, an Englishman. I do not say that they
are braver than our Swedes; they have not been tested in
any desperate service; but they are healthier and more
hardy, for their officers since the battle of Narva have kept
them engaged in sports of all kinds—mimic battles, foot-
races, and other friendly contests. I have marked them at
it several times, and wondered sometimes at the rough play.
But it has had its effect. While the rest of Suborn’s regi-
ment suffered as much from fever as the other troops, scarce
aman in this company was sick, and they have all the
winter been fit for arduous service at any moment.”

“That is good indeed, and I will remember it, and will
see that, another winter, similar games are carried on
throughout the army. Let the company be paraded at
once. I will myself inspect them.”

The company’s call was sounded, and, surprised at a
summons just as they were cooking their dinners, the troops
fell in in front of their quarters, and the officers took their
places in front of them and waited for orders.

“T wonder what is wp now,” Nigel Forbes said to Harry.
“You have not heard anything from your father of our
being wanted, have you?”