THE PASSAGE OF THE DWINA 148

concentrated at Dorpt. Charlie had long since regained
his full strength. As soon as he was fit for duty he had
rejoined, and had been engaged early and late in the work
of drilling the recruist, and in the general organization of
the regiment. He and Harry, however, found time to take
part in any amusement that was going on. They were
made welcome in the houses of the principal merchants
and other residents of Gottenburg, and much enjoyed
their stay in the town, in spite of their longing to be
back in time to take part in the early operations of the
campaign.

When they sailed into the port of Revel they found that
the campaign had but just commenced, and they marched
with all haste to join the force with which the king was
advancing against the Saxons, who were still besieging
Riga. Their army was commanded by Marshal Steinau,
and was posted on the other side of the river Dwina, a
broad stream. Charles XII. had ridden up to Colonel
Jamieson’s regiment upon its arrival, and expressed warm
gratification at its appearance when it was paraded for his
inspection.

“Vou have done well indeed, colonel,” he said. “I
had hardly hoped you could have collected so fine a body
of men in so short a time.” At his request the officers
were brought up and introduced. He spoke a few words
to those he had known before, saying to Charlie:

“T am glad to see you back again, lieutenant. You
have quite recovered from that crack on your crown, I
hope. But I need not ask, your looks speak for them-
selves. You have just got back in time to pay my enemies
back for it.”

The prospect was not a cheerful one when the Swedes
arrived on the banks of the Dwina. The Saxons were
somewhat superior in force, and it would be a desperate
enterprise to cross the river in the teeth of their cannon