g was kept up, with unflagging energy, during the whole
night; and then, after a substantial breakfast, the men and women
were muffled up in furs, and took their places in the sledges.

The count would gladly have had Charlie remain with him until
spring began, but he was anxious to rejoin the army; and, seeing
that this was so, the count did everything in his power to
facilitate his journey, which, after talking it over, had been
decided should be direct towards the royal camp. The count's
brother insisted upon accompanying him on the journey, as in this
way many of the difficulties would be avoided. Two sledges were
prepared, the one for the use of Charlie and Count John, and the
other for the two servants and baggage. Both were horsed by the
fastest animals in the count's stables.

Charlie himself had been loaded with presents, which he had been
obliged somewhat reluctantly to accept, as he saw that a refusal
would hurt and mortify his kind hosts. He had, on his arrival, been
provided with an ample wardrobe of clothes of all kinds, and to
these were now added dolmans, cloaks, rugs, and most costly furs. A
splendid gun, pistols, and a sword, with the hilt studded with
gems, completed his outfit; while Stanislas had been presented with
a heavy purse of money.

The whole of the retainers of the castle were assembled to see them
start, and the count and countess, at parting, made him promise to
come and pay them another visit, if the fortune of war should bring
him within the possibility of reaching them.

The journey was a delightful one. Each night they put up at the
chateau of some nobleman. To many of these Count John Staroski was
personally known; at the others, his name secured at once a hearty
welcome for himself and his companion. Travelling only by day, and
at the full speed of the horses, they escaped interruption by the
marauding bands, and in fourteen days after starting they drove
into the town where Charles of Sweden had his headquarters, after
being twice stopped and questioned by bodies of Swedish horse.

The town was crowded with troops, and they had some difficulty in
finding a lodging for themselves, and stabling for the horses. As
soon as this was done, Charlie proceeded alone to the quarters of
Count Piper.

Chapter 14: The Battle Of Clissow.

Charlie sent in his name, and was shown in at once.

"I glad, indeed, to see you, Captain Carstairs," the minister said,
as he entered. "We ha