“Of course it will,” Harry said, warmly.  “That is just what I told you, you know.  This business was not quite to your liking, but it was a good long step towards making your fortune.  Don’t you think that I shall be jealous of your going ahead, for I am not in the least.  I am sorry you are going away, for I shall miss you terribly; but I am quite content to be with the regiment, and to work my way up gradually.  As it is, I am senior lieutenant in the regiment, and the first battle may give me my company; though I don’t expect it, for I do not think my father would wish the colonel to give me the step, if it occurred, for all the other lieutenants are older than we are, though they are junior to us in the regiment, and I feel sure that he would prefer me to remain for another two or three years as lieutenant.  In fact, he said as much to me, a short time ago.  Still, when I am fit to command a company, there is no doubt I shall get it.

“Of course, I am sorry you are going, very sorry, Charlie; but, even if you go altogether on to the staff, I shall see a good deal of you, for, as the king is always with the army, this must be your headquarters still.

“I wonder how long you will be away.  I like the look of the fellow who is going with you.  It was an honest, open sort of face, as far as I saw it.  At any rate, it is a comfort to think that you won’t be absolutely alone, especially among people whose language you don’t know.  Mind, if you are sending letters to Count Piper, be sure you send a few lines, by the same messenger, to let me know how you are going on.  Not long letters, you know; I expect you will have your hands pretty well full; but just enough to give me an idea of how you are, and what you are doing.”

The following morning, Charlie started.  He had said goodbye to no one, except the colonel, Major Jervoise, and Harry, as it was not considered advisable that his departure with the envoy for Warsaw should be talked about.  He only joined the party, indeed, after they had ridden out of the camp.  He had laid aside his uniform, and was dressed in clothes which Major Jervoise had procured for him, from one of the last-joined recruits who had but just received his uniform.  The lieutenant commanding the escort of twenty troopers rode up to him, as he joined the party.

“Baron Seckers informs me that he has given permission to a young Scotchman and his servant, travelling to Warsaw, to ride under his protection.  Are you the person in question, sir?”

“It is all right, Lieutenant Eberstein,” Charlie said, with a smile.  “Don’t you recognize me?”

“Of course—­Lieutenant Carstairs.  I was at the hunt where you were taken prisoner; but I did not expect to see you in this garb.”

“I am going on duty,” Charlie said, “and am dressed according to orders.  Do not address me by my name.  I am at present Sandy Anderson, going to join a relation in Warsaw.”