134 A JACOBITE EXILE

for we made sure that you were very badly wounded. I
can tell you it was a relief when the men rode in three
hours ago with the news that you had arrived, and were not
badly hurt. The men seemed as pleased as we were, and
there was a loud burst of cheering when we told them the
news. Cunningham and Forbes would have ridden out
with me; but Cunningham is on duty, and Forbes thought
that we should like to have a chat together.”

On his arrival Charlie was heartily welcomed by Captain
Jetvoise and the men of the company, who cheered lustily
as he rode up.

“You are to go and see the king at once,” Captain Jer-
voise said as he dismounted. ‘I believe he wants to hear
especially how you were treated. Make the best of it you
can, lad; there is no occasion for the feeling of Charles
against the Russians being embittered.”

“T understand,”’ Charlie said; “I will make things as
smooth as I can.”

He walked quickly to the little house where the king had
taken up his quarters. There was no sentry at the door,
or other sign that the house contained an occupant of
special rank. He knocked at the door, and hearing a
shout of “Enter,” opened it and went in.

“Ah, my young ensign; is it you?” the king said, rising
from a low settle on which he was sitting by the fire, talk-
ing with Colonel Schlippenbach.

“Hurt somewhat, I see, but not badly, I hope. I was
sure that you would not have been taken prisoner unless
you had been injured.”

“Twas cut down by a blow that clove my helmet, your
majesty, and stunned me for some time; but beyond mak-
ing a somewhat long gash on my skull, it did me no great
harm.”

“That speaks well for the thickness of your skull, lad,
and I am heartily glad it is no worse. Now, tell me, how
did they treat you?”