 going immediately to the Hague, but forwarded his letters to the
court of the Stadtholder. »Our Prince,« said the veteran, »must as yet keep
terms with his father-in-law, and with your King Charles; and to approach him in
the character of a Scottish malcontent would render it imprudent for him to
distinguish you by his favour. Wait, therefore, his orders, without forcing
yourself on his notice; observe the strictest prudence and retirement; assume
for the present a different name; shun the company of the British exiles; and,
depend upon it, you will not repent your prudence.«
    The old friend of Silas Morton argued justly. After a considerable time had
elapsed, the Prince of Orange, in a progress through the United States, came to
the town where Morton, impatient at his situation and the incognito which he was
obliged to observe, still continued nevertheless to be a resident. He had an
hour of private interview assigned, in which the prince expressed himself highly
pleased with his intelligence, his prudence, and the liberal view which he
seemed to take of the factions of his native country, their motives and their
purposes.
    »I would gladly,« said William, »attach you to my own person, but that
cannot be without giving offence in England. But I will do as much for you, as
well out of respect for the sentiments you have expressed, as for the
recommendations you have brought me. Here is a commission in a Swiss regiment at
present in garrison in a distant province, where you will meet few or none of
your countrymen. Continue to be Captain Melville, and let the name of Morton
sleep till better days.«
    »Thus began my fortune,« continued Morton; - »and my services have, on
various occasions, been distinguished by his Royal Highness, until the moment
that brought him to Britain as our political deliverer. His commands must excuse
my silence to my few friends in Scotland; and I wonder not at the report of my
death, considering the wreck of the vessel, and that I found no occasion to use
the letters of exchange with which I was furnished by the liberality of some of
them - a circumstance which must have confirmed the belief that I had perished.«
    »But, dear hinny,« asked Mrs. Wilson, »did ye find nae Scotch body at the
Prince of Oranger's court that ken'd ye? I wad hae thought Morton o' Milnwood
was ken'd a' through the country.«
    »I was purposely engaged in distant service
