“I am Count Nicholas Staroski, and can at least make a substantial 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 Easter.  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 sacrificed 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 excellent hunting, and the heartiest welcome.”

“I thank you very heartily, Count Staroski, and accept gladly your invitation; but I must first speak to the captain of these men, to whom I am much beholden for the kindness he has shown me.”

He went across to Ladislas, who had heard what was said.

“You will not think it ungrateful for me to quit you so suddenly, Ladislas,” he said in a low voice.

“Assuredly not.  You have done us a service, indeed, in thus enabling us to obtain favour with the count.  He is one of our richest and most powerful nobles, and our fortunes are as good as made.”

“I will introduce you to him personally,” Charlie said.

“This, count, is the leader of the party.  He has shown me very great kindness, and has proved a true friend.  From what I have seen of him, I have no doubt whatever that, in spite of certain acts of lawlessness to which he and his friends have been driven of late, you will find him, in any position you may be good enough to give him, an honest and thoroughly trustworthy man.”

“I will bear it in mind,” the count said.  “Now, the sooner we are off, the better.  How far is it to the next village?”

“About seven miles, count.”

The count gave orders for the sledge to be taken on to the road again.

“One moment,” the captain said, taking Charlie aside.  “Pray tell us, in a few words, what has happened.  The burning of the tree is a mystery to us, and we shall die of curiosity if we have to remain here for another two months with the matter unexplained.”

In as few words as possible, Charlie related to the men the story of the preceding night, which was greeted with exclamations of surprise and admiration.

“Truly, you have your wits about you,” the captain said.  “I should have been frozen to death, if I had been in your position, for I should certainly never have thought of lighting a fire up in a tree.