has moved west, I hear," Malcolm said; "but we have been a
month away from the camp. My detachment consisted of a body of invalids
who came up among the hills to get rid of the fever which was playing
such havoc among our ranks. I am glad to say that all are restored, and
fit as ever for a meeting with the Imperialists. I heard but yestereven
that you were expecting an attack, and have marched all night to be here
in time. My party is a small one, but each man can be relied upon; and
when it comes to hard fighting twenty in good soldiers may turn the
day."

"You are heartily welcome, sir, and I thank you much for coming to our
aid. The townspeople are determined to do their best, but most of them
have little skill in arms. I have a score or two of old soldiers here in
the castle, and had hoped to be able to hold this to the end; but truly
I despaired of a successful defence of the town. But enter, I pray you;
the countess will be glad to welcome you."

Malcolm accompanied the count to the banquet hall of the castle. The
countess, a gentle and graceful woman, was already there; for indeed but
few in Mansfeld had closed an eye that night, for it was possible that
the Imperialists might attack without delay. By her side stood her
daughter, a girl of about fourteen years old. Malcolm had already stated
his name to the count, and the latter now presented him to his wife.

"We have heard so much of the Scottish soldiers," she said as she held
out her hand, over which Malcolm bent deeply, "that we have all been
curious to see them, little dreaming that a band of them would appear
here like good angels in our hour of danger."

"It was a fortunate accident which found me within reach when I heard of
the approach of the Imperialists. The names of the Count and Countess
of Mansfeld are so well known and so highly esteemed through Protestant
Germany that I was sure that the king would approve of my hastening to
lend what aid I might to you without orders from him."

"I see you have learned to flatter," the countess said smiling. "This is
my daughter Thekla."

"I am glad to see you," the girl said; "but I am a little disappointed.
I had thought that the Scots were such big fierce soldiers, and you
are not very big--not so tall as papa; and you do not look fierce at
all--not half so fierce as my cousin Caspar, who is but a boy."

"That is very rude, Thekla," her mother said reprovingly, while Malcolm
laughed gaily.

"You are