at the Swedes had captured
Frankfort-on-the-Oder, and as he approached that town, after four days'
riding, heard that they had moved towards Landsberg. Thither he followed
them, and came up to them outside the walls of that place six days after
leaving Glogau. The main body of the Swedish army had remained in and
around Frankfort, Gustavus having marched against Landsberg with only
3200 musketeers, 12 pieces of cannon, and a strong body of horse.
Hepburn and Reay's Scotch regiments formed part of the column, and
Malcolm with delight again saw the green scarves and banners.

As he rode into the camp of his regiment he was unnoticed by the
soldiers until he reached the tents of the officers, before which
Colonel Munro was standing talking with several others. On seeing
an officer approach in full armour they looked up, and a cry of
astonishment broke from them on recognizing Malcolm.

"Is it you, Malcolm Graheme, or your wraith?" Munro exclaimed.

"It is I in the flesh, colonel, sound and hearty."

"Why, my dear lad," Munro exclaimed, holding out his hand, "we thought
you had fallen at the sack of New Brandenburg. Innes and Lumsden were
believed to be the only ones who had escaped."

"I have come through it, nevertheless," Malcolm said; "but it is a long
story, colonel, and I would ask you first if the king has learned what
Tilly is doing."

"No, he has received no news whatever of him since he heard of the
affair at New Brandenburg, and is most anxious lest he should fall upon
the army at Frankfort while we are away. Do you know aught about him?"

"Tilly marched west from New Brandenburg," Malcolm said, "and is now
besieging Magdeburg."

"This is news indeed," Munro said; "you must come with me at once to the
king."

Malcolm followed Colonel Munro to the royal tent, which was but a
few hundred yards away. Gustavus had just returned after visiting the
advanced lines round the city. On being told that Colonel Munro wished
to speak to him on important business, he at once came to the entrance
of his tent.

"Allow me to present to you, sire, Malcolm Graheme, a very gallant young
officer of my regiment. He was at New Brandenburg, and I deemed that
he had fallen there; how he escaped I have not yet had time to learn,
seeing that he has but now ridden into the camp; but as he is bearer
of news of the whereabouts of Tilly and his army, I thought it best to
bring him immediately to you."

"Well, sir," Gustavus said