"
The horses, a splendid pair of animals, had, during their passage
through the forest, shown every sign of fear; starting nervously,
swerving, and going in sharp, sudden rushes, and always needing a
constant strain on the reins to keep them from bolting. Once away
from the trees, however, they settled down into a fast trot, and
the seven miles to Stromoff were done in less than half an hour.
No sooner did the landlord of the inn learn the name of his guest,
than he, his wife, and sons bustled about in the greatest haste to
make things comfortable for them. Huge fires were lighted in the
guest rooms, and the common room was cleared of the other
customers, until the chamber should be sufficiently warmed for
occupation; while in the kitchen preparations were made for a meal,
to which, in half an hour from their arrival, the party in the
sledge sat down. When this was over, settles were placed round the
fire, and Charlie then gave a full account of his adventures, from
the time he was attacked in the streets of Warsaw.
"So it was you, Captain Carstairs, after whom there was so keen a
search in September. The death of Ben Soloman made a great stir,
and I can assure you that there are a great many people who owe you
a debt of gratitude.
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