A PRISONER 109

then the men went into the forest and soon returned with
large quantities of wood, and great fires were speedily
lighted. Meat was cut up and roasted over them, and
regarding the expedition as a holiday, the men sat down to
their supper in high spirits. After it was eaten there were
songs round the fires, and at nine o’clock all turned into
their tents, as it was known that the king would arrive at
daylight. Sentries were posted, for there was never any
saying when marauding parties of Russians, who were con-
stantly on the move, might come along. Half an hour
before daybreak the men were aroused. Tents were struck
and packed in the waggon, and the men then fell in and
remained until the king with three or four of his officers
and fifty cavalry rode up. Fresh wood had been thrown on
the fires, and some of the men told off as cooks.

“That looks cheerful for hungry men,” the king said as
he leaped from his horse.

“T did not know whether your majesty would wish to
breakfast at once,’ Captain Jervoise said; “but I thought
it well to be prepared.”

“We will breakfast by all means. We are all sharp set
already. Have your own men had food yet?”

“No, sir; I thought perhaps they would carry it with
them.”

“No, no; let them all have a hearty meal before they
move, then they can hold on as long as may be necessary.”

The company fell out again, and in a quarter of an hour
they and the troopers breakfasted. A joint of meat was
placed for the use of the king and the officers who had
come with him, and Captain Jervoise and those with him
prepared to take their meal a short distance away, but
Charles said: “Bring that joint here, Captain Jervoise,
and we will all take breakfast together. We are all hunters
and comrades.”

In a short time they were all seated round a fire with