, making a detour to avoid
the Imperialist outposts, rode some fifteen miles on his way. He then
dismounted and handed over his horse to his escort, who at once started
on their way back to Amberg, while he pursued his journey on foot
towards Pilsen. It was late the next evening before he reached the town;
and on arriving he learned that Wallenstein was still there.

The Imperialist general, immediately upon obtaining the signature of
his officers, had sent to urge Altringer and Gallas, who had been absent
from the meeting, to come to him with all speed. Altringer, on pretence
of sickness, did not comply with the invitation. Gallas made
his appearance, but merely with the intention of finding out all
Wallenstein's plans and of keeping the emperor informed of them.
Piccolomini had, immediately the meeting broke up, sent full details
of its proceedings to the court, and Gallas was furnished with a secret
commission containing the emperor's orders to the colonels and officers,
granting an amnesty for their adhesion to Wallenstein at Pilsen, and
ordering them to make known to the army that it was released from its
obedience to Wallenstein, and was placed under the command of Gallas
himself, who received orders, if possible, to arrest Wallenstein.

Gallas on his arrival perceived the impossibility of executing his
commission, for Wallenstein's troops and officers were devoted to him,
and not even the crime of high treason could overcome their veneration
and respect for him. Finding that he could do nothing, and fearful that
Wallenstein should discover the commission with which he was charged,
Gallas sought for a pretence to escape from Pilsen, and offered to go to
Altringer and to persuade him to return with him.

Wallenstein had no doubts of the fidelity of the general, and allowed
him to depart. As he did not return at once Piccolomini, who was also
most anxious to get out of the grasp of Wallenstein, offered to go and
fetch both Gallas and Altringer. Wallenstein consented, and conveyed
Piccolomini in his own carriage to Lintz. No sooner had Piccolomini
left him than he hurried to his own command, denounced Wallenstein as a
traitor, and prepared to surprise the duke in Pilsen. Gallas at the same
time sent round copies of his commission to all the Imperial camps.

Upon his arrival Malcolm at once proceeded to the castle, and, finding
the steward, requested him to inform the duke that he had returned. In
a few minutes he