“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 frequently.  He has been a captain nearly two years, while I 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 conversation with him, that the passage might be made under the screen of smoke caused by the lighting of the forage stacks.”

“I 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.  I am pestered with men desirous of employment in the army, with persons who want favours at court, with politicians of both parties, with people 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.  I have no doubt that, at present, my antechamber 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 Godolphin’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 pick your brains undisturbed.  You will remember the day and hour.  Should there be any change in this private matter of yours, do not hesitate to come to me here.”

Tony Peters, their guide and adviser, reported favourably as to the people with whom the highwayman was lodging.

“The house is kept by the widow of an usher at the palace.  She entertains gentlemen from the country, who come up on business at the courts of justice, or with people of influence at court.  I have ascertained that our man passes as a well-to-do trader of Salisbury, who comes up, two or three times a year, to transact business, and to enjoy for a short time the pleasures of town.  He is liberal in his payments, and is held in high respect by the woman, whose only objection to him, as a lodger, is the late hours he keeps.  He is a crafty fellow this, for by always going to the same house, and comporting himself with moderation, he secures a place of retirement, where, however close the quest after him, there will be no suspicion whatever, as to his profession, on the part of the people he is with.