s impossible to
content everyone, and any man who is chosen leader of a party may,
if he is dissatisfied, persuade those with him to join some other
band. Even if they do not go in a body, many are sure to break off
and make for their homes, to enjoy the booty they have gathered.

"But, upon the other hand, as we go we shall gather up fresh
recruits. With so many disbanded soldiers and discontented men
roaming the country, there is no difficulty in getting as many men
as one cares to keep together.

"Fifty is the outside that is advisable, for with more, even if one
makes a good haul, it comes to so little, a head, that the men are
dissatisfied. Of course they work in small parties, but this does
not succeed so well as when a small band are under a single
leader."

"How long have you been at this work?"

"Since last autumn."

"And you find it pay?"

"We do not get much in money. As you saw, there were but four rix
dollars a head, and that is the result of a month's work. Still,
that is not bad for men who might otherwise starve. Sometimes we do
worse and sometimes better, but that is about the average. Still,
the life is a pleasant one, and unless we disbanded soldiers took
to it, what would there be for us to do? If government would keep
us on regular pay, there would soon be no brigands left, except the
men who have escaped from justice. But the treasury is empty, and,
even at the best of times, the troops are badly and irregularly
paid, and are forced to plunder to keep life together. They are
almost in rags, and though we Poles do not mind fighting, there is
generally a difficulty in getting sufficient infantry. As for the
cavalry, they are nobles, and draw no pay.

"How do you feel today?"

"Better. The night's rest, and a wash and change of clothes this
morning, have made me feel another man. How far do you intend to
march?"

"We shall go slowly for a day or two. The other parties have all
pushed on ahead fast, but by taking matters quietly, and by keeping
a sharp lookout, we need have no great fear of being surprised. I
know the forest well, and its thickest hiding places, so we can
afford to travel slowly, and as you become accustomed to it you
will be able to make longer journeys."

For ten days they travelled through the forest, increasing their
distance daily, as Charlie regained his strength. The last day or
two they did not make less than twenty miles a day. Their faces
were turned steadily