On his arrival, Charlie was heartily welcomed by Captain Jervoise and the men of the company, who cheered lustily as he rode up.

“You are to go and see the king at once,” Captain Jervoise said as he dismounted.  “I believe he wants to hear, especially, how you were treated.  Make the best of it you can, lad.  There is no occasion for the feeling of Charles against the Russians being embittered.”

“I understand,” Charlie said.  “I will make things as smooth as I can.”

He walked quickly to the little house where the king had taken up his quarters.  There was no sentry at the door, or other sign that the house contained an occupant of special rank.  He knocked at the door, and hearing a shout of “Enter,” opened it and went in.

“Ah, my young ensign; is it you?” the king said, rising from a low settle on which he was sitting by the fire, talking with Colonel Schlippenbach.

“Hurt somewhat, I see, but not badly, I hope.  I was sure that you would not have been taken prisoner, unless you had been injured.”

“I was cut down by a blow that clove my helmet, your majesty, and stunned me for some time; but, beyond making a somewhat long gash on my skull, it did me no great harm.”

“That speaks well for the thickness of your skull, lad, and I am heartily glad it is no worse.  Now, tell me, how did they treat you?”

“It was a somewhat rough cell into which I was thrown, sir, but I was most kindly tended by an Irish doctor high in the czar’s service, and, when the czar himself arrived, and learned that I had not been lodged as well as he thought necessary, I hear he was so angered that he disgraced the general, deprived him of his command, and sent him to take charge of some fortress in the interior of Russia; and I was, by his orders, allowed to occupy the doctor’s quarters, and a bedroom was assigned to me next to his.  I heard that the czar spoke in terms of the warmest appreciation of your treatment of your prisoners, and said that any of your officers who fell into his hands should be treated with equal courtesy.”

Charles looked gratified.

“I am glad to hear it,” he said.  “In the field, if necessary, blood must flow like water, but there is no reason why we should not behave towards each other with courtesy, when the fighting is over.  You know nothing of the force there, at present?”

“No, sir, I heard nothing.  I did not exchange a word with anyone, save the doctor and another medical man; and as the former treated me as a friend, rather than as an enemy, I did not deem it right to question him, and, had I done so, I am sure that he would have given me no answer.”

“Well, you can return to your quarters, sir.  Your company did me good service in that fight, and Colonel Schlippenbach did not speak in any way too warmly in their favour.  I would that I had more of these brave Englishmen and Scotchmen in my service.”