was ushered into his presence, and handed to him the
letter from Oxenstiern. Wallenstein tore it open without a word and gave
an exclamation of satisfaction as he glanced it through.

"This is opportune indeed," he said, "and I thank you for bringing me
the news so rapidly. Well did the astrologer say that my destiny to
some extent depended on you; this is a proof that he was right. The
chancellor tells me that the Duke of Saxe-Lauenberg will march instantly
with four thousand men to join me, and that Duke Bernhard will move down
at once with six thousand of the best Swedish troops. I may yet be even
with the traitors."

Although the defection of Gallas and Piccolomini and the news of the
issue of the Imperial proclamation had fallen with stunning force upon
Wallenstein, he had still faith in the fidelity of the army at large,
and he had already despatched Marshal Terzky to Prague, where all the
troops faithful to him were to assemble, intending to follow himself
with the regiments at Pilsen as soon as carriage could be obtained from
the country round. His astrologer still assured him that the stars were
favourable, and Wallenstein's faith in his own destiny was unshaken.

Upon finding that Malcolm had orders to remain with him until he was
joined by Duke Bernhard, he ordered handsome apartments to be prepared
for him, and as there was no longer any reason why the fact that a
Swedish officer was in the castle should be concealed, he commanded that
Malcolm should be furnished with handsome raiment of all sorts and a
suit of superb armour. Upon the following morning Wallenstein sent for
him.

"I have bad news," he said. "General Suys with an army arrived at Prague
before Terzky got there, and I fear that the influence of Piccolomini,
Gallas, and Altringer have withdrawn from me the corps which they
command. Terzky will return tomorrow morning, and I shall then march
with him and the troops here to Egra. There I shall effect a junction
with Duke Bernhard, who is instructed to march upon that town."

The duke, though anxious, still appeared confident; but the outlook
seemed to Malcolm extremely gloomy. The whole army save the regiments
around Pilsen had fallen away from Wallenstein. His princely generosity
to the generals and officers and his popularity among the troops had
failed to attach them to him now that he had declared against the
emperor, and it appeared to Malcolm that he would be able to bring over
to the Sw