THE PASSAGE OF THE DWINA 153
thing here for a long time. But what am I to say to the
fellows? How can I argue with them? Besides, I don’t
talk Polish.”

“J don’t suppose there are ten men in the army who do
so, probably not five. As to what to say, Count Piper will
no doubt give you full instructions as to the line you are
to take, the arguments you are to use, and the inducements
you are to hold out. ‘hat is sure to be all right.”

“Well, do not say anything about it, Harry, when you
get back. I still hope the colonel will dissuade the
king.”

“Then you are singularly hopeful, Charlie, that is all I
can say. You might persuade a brick wall to move out of
your way as easily as induce the King of Sweden to give up
a plan he has once formed. However, I will say nothing
about it.”

At nine o’clock an orderly came to the hut with a mes-
sage that the colonel wished to speak to Lieutenant Car-
stairs. Harry gave his friend a comical look as the latter
rose and buckled on his sword.

“What is the joke, Harry?” his father asked, when
Charlie had left. “Do you know what the colonel can
want him for at this time of the evening? It is not his
turn for duty.”

“T know, father; but I must not say.”

“The lad has not been getting into a scrape, I hope?”

“ Nothing serious, I can assure you; but really I must not
say anything until he comes back.”

Harry’s positive assurance as to the impossibility of
changing the king’s decision had pretty well dispelled any
hopes Charlie might before have entertained, and he entered
the colonel’s room with a grave face.

“Vou know why I have sent for you, Carstairs? az

“Ves, sir; Iam afraid that I do.”

“Afraid? ‘hat is to say, you don’t like it.”