Boerhoff at the time of
the siege of Nuremberg, I am able to set clocks and watches in repair,
as I have done to those which have been placed in my hands here. In
reality, sir, I am a Scottish officer, a captain in the service of
Sweden."
Wallenstein gave a short exclamation of angry surprise. "You must not
think, sir, that I have come hither in disguise to be a spy upon the
movements of your army. I came here unwillingly, being captured by your
troops, and forced to accompany them.
"I left the Swedish camp on a private mission, having received there a
missive from the Countess of Mansfeld, who, with her husband, was a kind
friend of mine, telling me that they were prisoners of the emperor at
Prague, and begging me to come to their assistance. Bethinking me of
the occupation which had amused my leisure hours during the weary months
when we were shut up by you in Nuremberg, I obtained leave of absence,
attired myself as a craftsman, and made my way to Prague. There I found
the count confined to his couch by a wound and unable to move. The
countess had no thought of quitting him. Her anxiety was wholly for her
daughter, a girl of fifteen, whom the emperor purposed to shut up in a
convent and force to change her religion, and then to bestow her hand
upon one of his favourites, with her father's confiscated estates as her
dowry.
"I succeeded in effecting her escape, disguised as a boy; I myself
travelling in the disguise of a peasant with a wagon. We were making our
way towards the Swedish lines when we came across your army, which had,
unknown to me, suddenly moved hither. I and my cart were requisitioned
for the service of the army. On the night of my arrival here I resumed
my disguise as a craftsman, left my wagon, and with my young companion
took up my lodging here, intending to remain quietly working at the
craft I assumed until an opportunity offered for continuing our journey.
Accident obtained me employment here, and as rumour said that overtures
for peace were passing between yourself and the Swedish chancellor,
I may frankly say that I determined to use the position in which I
accidentally found myself for the benefit of the country I served, by
ascertaining, if I could, how far your excellency was in earnest as
to the offers you were making. In pursuance of that plan I yesterday
concealed myself and overheard all that passed in the council chamber
with the officers, and at the banquet subsequently."
Wall
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