stor who stood at the head
of the room, with a powerfully built elderly man, evidently the master
of the house, near him.

The singing was not interrupted by the entrance of the newcomer. Many
eyes were cast in his direction, but seeing that their leaders went on
unmoved, the little congregation continued their hymn with great fervour
and force. When they had done the pastor prayed for some time, and then
dismissed the congregation with his blessing. They filed out in a quiet
and orderly way, but not until the last had left did the master of the
house show any sign of observing Malcolm, who had taken his place near
the door.

Then he said gravely, "Strangers do not often find their way to Glogau,
and in truth we can do without them, for a stranger in these times too
often means a foe; but you are young, my lad, though strong enough to
bear weapons, and can mean us no ill. What is it that brings you to our
quiet village?"

"I have, sir, but this morning escaped from the hands of the freebooters
at Wolfsburg, and I come to warn you that last night I heard them agree
to attack and sack your village tomorrow; therefore, before pursuing my
own way, which is to the camp of the Swedish king, in whose service I
am, I came hither to warn you of their intention."

Exclamations of alarm arose from the females of the farmer's family, who
were sitting at the end of the room. The farmer waved his hand and the
women were instantly silent.

"This is bad news, truly," he said gravely; "hitherto God has protected
our village and suffered us to worship Him in our own way in peace and
in quiet in spite of the decrees of emperors and princes. This gang
of Wolfsburg have long been a scourge to the country around it, and
terrible are the tales we have heard of their violence and cruelty.
I have for weeks feared that sooner or later they would extend their
ravages even to this secluded spot."

"And, indeed, I thank you, brave youth, for the warning you have given
us, which will enable us to send our womenkind, our cattle and horses,
to a place of safety before these scourges of God arrive here. Gretchen,
place food and wine before this youth who has done us so great a
service; doubtless he is hungry and thirsty, for `tis a long journey
from Wolfsburg hither."

"What think you, father, shall I warn the men at once of the coming
danger, or shall I let them sleep quietly this Sabbath night for the
last time in their old homes?"

"What