that he was in Charlie's service, and that the latter
was an English gentleman, who had, from a variety of circumstances,
especially the suspicion with which all strangers were regarded,
been unable to travel through the country, and had therefore been
passing the winter hunting, with this company of disbanded soldiers
who had so opportunely arrived to their assistance.

The other traveller had, by this time, carried his wife beyond the
heat of the fire, and had applied some snow to her forehead,
pouring a little brandy from the flask between her lips. She had
now begun to revive, and, leaving her, he approached the party. His
brother met him, and in a few words told him what he had learned
from Stanislas.

"My friends," he said, "my brother tells me that you are a party of
discharged soldiers, who are passing the winter in a hut here in
the forest, supporting yourselves by shooting and fishing. I have
to thank Providence for the thought that sent you here. I have to
thank you for your prompt assistance, to which we are indebted for
our lives.

"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 wil