about
to be restored to safety among friends, that her troubles were at an
end, and she was again to resume her proper garments which she had
brought with her in the basket containing his tools at the time of her
flight.

A few minutes sufficed to make the change, and then she accompanied
Malcolm to the castle. Wallenstein's orders had been rapidly carried
out; a squadron of cavalry were formed up in the courtyard, and in front
of them an attendant held a horse with a pillion behind the saddle.
Malcolm lifted Thekla on to the pillion and sprang into the saddle in
front of her. One of Wallenstein's household handed a letter to him and
then gave him into the charge of the officer commanding the squadron,
who had already received his orders. The officer at once gave the word
and rode from the castle followed by the cavalry.

As soon as they were out of the town the pace was quickened, and the
cavalcade proceeded at a trot which was kept up with few intermissions
until nightfall, by which time twenty miles had been covered. They
halted for the night in a small town where the soldiers were billeted
on the inhabitants, comfortable apartments being assigned to Malcolm and
his charge.

Soon after daybreak the journey was continued. A sharp watch was now
kept up, as at any moment parties of the Swedish cavalry making a raid
far in advance of their lines might be met with. No such adventure
happened, and late in the afternoon the troop halted on the crest of a
low hill.

"Here," the officer said, "we part. That town which you see across
the river is held by the Swedes, and you will certainly meet with no
molestation from any of our side as you ride down to it."

Malcolm thanked the officer for the courtesy he had shown him on the
journey, and then rode forward towards the town. It was getting dusk as
he neared the bridge, but as he came close Malcolm's heart gave a bound
as he recognized the green scarves and plumes worn by the sentries at
the bridge. These seeing only a single horseman with a female behind
him did not attempt to question him as he passed; but he reined in his
horse.

"Whose regiment do you belong to?" he asked.

The men looked up in surprise at being addressed in their own language
by one whose attire was that of a simple craftsman, but whom they now
saw rode a horse of great strength and beauty.

"We belong to Hamilton's regiment," they replied.

"And where shall I find that of Munro?"

"It is ly