242 A JACOBITE EXILE

who had so opportunely arrived to their assistance. The
other traveller had by this time carried his wife beyond the
heat of the fire, and had applied some snow to her forehead,
pouring a little brandy from the flask between her lips.
She had now begun to revive, and leaving her he approached
the party. His brother met him, and in a few words told
him what he had learned from Stanislas.

“My friends,” he said, “my brother tells me that you
are a party of discharged soldiers who are passing the
winter in a hut here in the forest, supporting yourselves by
shooting and fishing. JI have to thank Providence for the
thought that sent you here. I have to thank you for your
prompt assistance, to which we are indebted for our lives.
T am Count Nicholas Staroski, and can at least make a sub-
stantial return for the service you have done me. My
estates lie some sixty miles to the north. You will have
no difficulty in finding me. Present yourselves there at
Faster, I shall certainly be at my chateau then. I will then
talk over what can be done for you. ‘Those who like to
settle down on land shall have land, those who would like
employment in my household shall have it, those who would
prefer money to go their own way and settle in their own
villages shall each have a heavy purse.” ‘Then he turned to
Charlie. ‘You, sir, as my brother has learned from your
brave follower here, are an English gentleman. ‘To you I
owe far heavier obligation than to these soldiers, for you
and your man incurred a terrible risk, and well-nigh sacri-
ficed your lives for ours. I pray you come with us and stay
with us for a time. I shall then hear your plans and your
object in visiting this country, and if I can in any way
further them you may be sure I will do so to the utmost;
for the present I can promise you at least exceilent hunting
and the heartiest welcome.”

“T thank you very heartily, Count Staroski, and accept
gladly your invitation; but I must first speak to the captain