to believe that this avenging force was led by the ghosts of
those who had been slain at New Brandenburg. Whenever we can't account
for a thing, we Scots are inclined to believe it's supernatural.

"Now tell me more about the affair, Malcolm. By the way do you know that
you are a lieutenant now? Poor Foulis died of the fever a few days after
you left us, and as the king had himself ordered that you were to have
the next vacancy, I of course appointed you at once. We must drink
tonight to your promotion."

Malcolm now related fully the incidents of the siege.

"By my faith, Malcolm Graheme," Munro said when he had finished, "you
are as lucky as you are brave. Mansfeld is a powerful nobleman, and has
large possessions in various parts of Germany and much influence, and
the king will be grateful that you have thus rendered him such effective
assistance and so bound him to our cause. I believe he has no children."

"He has a daughter," Malcolm said, "a pretty little maid some fourteen
years old."

"In faith, Malcolm, 'tis a pity that you and she are not some four
or five years older. What a match it would be for you, the heiress of
Mansfeld; she would be a catch indeed! Well, there's time enough yet, my
lad, for there is no saying how long this war will last."

There was a general laugh, and the colonel continued:

"Malcolm has the grace to colour, which I am afraid the rest of us have
lost long ago. Never mind, Malcolm, there are plenty of Scotch cadets
have mended their fortune by means of a rich heiress before now, and I
hope there will be many more. I am on the lookout for a wealthy young
countess myself, and I don't think there is one here who would not lay
aside his armour and sword on such inducement. And now, gentlemen, as we
have all finished, I will leave you to your wine while I go across with
our young lieutenant to the king. I must tell him tonight, or he will
not sleep with wondering over the mystery. We will be back anon and will
broach a cask of that famous wine we picked up the other day, in honour
of Malcolm Graheme's promotion."

Sir John Hepburn was dining with Gustavus, and the meal was just
concluded when Colonel Munro was announced.

"Well, my brave Munro, what is it?" the king said heartily, "and whom
have you here? The young officer who escaped from New Brandenburg and
Tilly, unless I am mistaken."

"It is, sir, but I have to introduce him in a new character tonight, as
the leader of you