322 A JACORITE EXILE

“Only during three days when our company formed part
of his escort at a hunting expedition,” Harry, whom he
addressed, replied. “‘ But Carstairs spoke to him more fre
quently. He has been a captain nearly two years, while 4
only had my promotion two months ago. We were in the
same regiment and of the same rank, but Carstairs was
promoted by the king after the battle at the passage of the
Dwina, as a reward for the suggestion he made in conversa-
tion with him that the passage might be made under the
screen of smoke caused by the lighting of the forage stacks.”

“T must have a long talk with you both. It is certain
that next spring the campaign with France will re-open,
and your experience in the field will be very useful to me.
The Swedes are wonderful soldiers. The Muscovites at
present are little better than barbarians carrying European
arms, but the Saxons are good troops, and the Swedes have
twice beaten them heavily, and they evidently retain the
fighting qualities that under Gustavus Adolphus shook the
imperial power to its centre.

“The trouble is to find time. Iam pestered with men
desirous of employment in the army, with persons who want
favours at court, with politicians of both parties, with peo-
ple with schemes and intrigues of all kinds. I have to be
in attendance at the palace, and to see into the whole details
of the organization of the army. Ihave no doubt that at
present my ante-chamber is crowded with people who want
to see me.” He looked at his tablets. “ Next Wednesday
evening I am free, except for a reception at Lord Godol-
phin’s, but I can look in there late. I will not ask you
here, because I want you to myself. I will have a private
room at Parker's coffee-house in Covent Garden. We will
sup at seven. When you go there ask for Mr. Church’s
room, and make yourself comfortable there until I come,
for I can never answer for my own hours. In that way we
shall be free from all chance of interruption, and I can