Captain Jervoise and his officers had all, during the nine months that had passed since they landed in Sweden, done their best to acquire the language, and could now speak and understand it thoroughly.

“They like it, your majesty.  Our people are fond of games of this kind.  My four officers take part in them with the men.”

The king nodded.

“That is as it should be.  It must create a good feeling on both sides.  Present your officers to me, Captain Jervoise.”

This was done, and the king spoke a few words to each.  Charlie had often seen the king at a distance, but never before so close as to be able to notice his face particularly.  He was a tall young fellow, thin and bony.  His face was long, and his forehead singularly high and somewhat projecting.  This was the most noticeable feature of his face.  His eyes were quick and keen, his face clean-shaven, and, had it not been for the forehead and eyes, would have attracted no attention.  His movements were quick and energetic, and, after speaking to the officers, he strode a step or two forward and, raising his voice, said: 

“I am pleased with you, men.  Your appearance does credit to yourselves and your officers.  Scottish troops did grand service under my grandfather, Gustavus Adolphus, and I would that I had twenty battalions of such soldiers with me.  I am going hunting tomorrow, and I asked Colonel Schlippenbach for half a company of men who could stand cold and fatigue.  He told me that I could not do better than take them from among this company, and I see that he could not have made a better choice.  But I will not separate you, and will therefore take you all.  You will march in an hour, and I will see that there is a good supper ready for you, at the end of your journey.”

Colonel Schlippenbach gave Captain Jervoise directions as to the road they were to follow, and the village, at the edge of the forest, where they were to halt for the night.  He then walked away with the king.  Highly pleased with the praise Charles had given them, the company fell out.

“Get your dinners as soon as you can, men,” Captain Jervoise said.  “The king gave us an hour.  We must be in readiness to march by that time.”

On arriving at the village, which consisted of a few small houses only, they found two waggons awaiting them, one with tents and the other with a plentiful supply of provisions, and a barrel of wine.  The tents were erected, and then the men went into the forest, and soon returned with large quantities of wood, and great fires were speedily lighted.  Meat was cut up and roasted over them, and, regarding the expedition as a holiday, the men sat down to their supper in high spirits.

After it was eaten there were songs round the fires, and, at nine o’clock, all turned into their tents, as it was known that the king would arrive at daylight.  Sentries were posted, for there was never any saying when marauding parties of Russians, who were constantly on the move, might come along.