178 A JACOBITE EXILE

any great harm would befall me, for all the Scotch merchants
would make common cause with me, and although we have
no political power, we have a good deal of influence one
way or another, and Augustus at this time would not care to
make fresh enemies. However, Jad, I will not further dis-
pute your decision. Were I quite alone I would not let
you leave me so long as you stop in this city without taking
great offence, but with a wife and two children a man is
more timid than if he had but himself to think of.”

Charlie therefore moved into the lodging, but every day
he went for three or four hours to the shop, where he kept
up his assumed character by aiding to keep the ledgers,
and in learning from the Polish assistants the value of the
various goods in the shop. One evening he was returning
after supper to his lodging when Stanislas met him.

“T observed three or four evil-looking rascals casting
glances at the house te-day, and there are several rough-
looking fellows hanging about the house this evening. I
do not know if it means anything, but I thought I would let
you know.”

“T think it must be only your fancy, Stanislas; I might
be arrested by the troops were I denounced, but I apprehend
no danger from men of the class you speak of. However,
if we should be interfered with, I fancy we could deal with
several rascals of that sort.”

At the corner of his street three or four men were stand-
ing. One of them moved as he passed and pushed rudely
against him, sending his hat into the gutter. Then as his
face was exposed the fellow exclaimed:

“Tt is he, death to the Swedish spy!”

They were the last words he uttered. Charlie’s sword
flew from its scabbard, and with a rapid pass he ran the
man through the body. ‘The others drew instantly and fell
upon Charlie with fury, keeping up the shout of, “ Death to
the Swedish spy!” It was evidently a signal, for men