They formed nearly a third of the army of Gustavus Adolphus, and the service of the Protestant princes of Germany had always been popular among them.
Then, her own cousin being a marshal in the Prussian army, it seemed to Mrs.Drummond almost a matter of course, when the time came, that Fergus should go to him; and she had, for many years, devoted herself to preparing the lad for that service.

Nevertheless, now that the time had come, she felt the parting no less sorely; but she bore up well, and the sudden notice kept her fully occupied with preparations, till the hour came for his departure.
Two of the men rode with him as far as Leith, and saw him on board ship.

Rudolph had volunteered to accompany him as servant, but his mother had said to the lad: "It would be better not, Fergus.

Of course you will have a soldier servant, there, and there might be difficulties in having a civilian with you." It was, however, arranged that Rudolph should become a member of the household.

Being a handy fellow, a fair carpenter, and ready to turn his hand to anything, there would be no difficulty in making him useful about the farm.
Fergus had learnt, from him, the price at which he ought to be able to buy a useful horse; and his first step, after landing at Stettin and taking up his quarters at an inn, was to inquire the address of a horse dealer.