108 A JACOBITE EXILE

Charlie had often seen the king at a distance, but never
before so close as to be able to notice his face particularly.
He was a tall young fellow, thin and bony; his face was
long, and his forehead singularly high and somewhat pro-
jecting. ‘This was the most noticeable feature of his face.
His eyes were quick and keen, his face clean-shaven, and
had it not been for the forehead and eyes would have
attracted no attention. His movements were quick ‘and
energetic, and after speaking to the officers he strode a step
or two forward, and raising his voice said: “I am pleased
with you, men. Your appearance does credit to yourselves
and your officers. Scottish troops did grand service under
my grandfather, Gustavus Adolphus, and I would that I had
twenty battalions of such soldiers with me. I am going
hunting to-morrow, and I asked Colonel Schlippenbach for
half a company of men who could stand cold and fatigue.
He told me that I could not do better than take them from
among this company, and I see that he could not have
made a better choice; but I will not separate you, and will
therefore take you all. You will march in an hour, and I
will see that there is a good supper ready for you at the
end of your journey.”

Colonel Schlippenbach gave Captain Jervoise directions
as to the road they were to follow, and the village at the
edge of the forest where they were to halt for the night.
He then walked away with the king. Highly pleased
with the praise Charles had given them, the company
fell out.

“Get your dinners as soon as you can, men,” Captain
Jervoise said. “The king gave us an hour. We must be
in readiness to march by that time.”

On arriving at the village, which consisted of a few small
houses only, they found two waggons awaiting them, one
with tents and the other with a plentiful supply of provi-
sions and a barrel of wine. ‘lhe tents were erected, and