one, this was little heeded when so much was saved.

All vied in the expression of gratitude towards Malcolm and his Scots,
but Malcolm modestly disclaimed all merit, saying that he and his men
had scarcely struck a blow.

"It is not so much the fighting," the count said, "as the example which
you set the townsmen, and the spirit which the presence of you and your
men diffused among them. Besides, your counsel and support to me have
been invaluable; had it not been for you the place would probably have
been carried at the first attack, and if not the townspeople would have
surrendered when the enemy's reinforcements arrived; and in that case,
with so small a force at my command I could not have hoped to defend the
castle successfully. Moreover, the idea of the sortie which has freed us
of them and saved the town from destruction was entirely yours. No,
my friend, say what you will I feel that I am indebted to you for the
safety of my wife and child, and so long as I live I shall be deeply
your debtor."

The following day Malcolm with his party marched away. The count had
presented him with a suit of magnificent armour, and the countess with a
gold chain of great value. Handsome presents were also made to Sergeant
Sinclair, who was a cadet of good family, and a purse of gold was given
to each of the soldiers, so in high spirits the band marched away over
the mountains on their return to the village.

CHAPTER IX THE BATTLE OF BREITENFELD

Great joy was manifested as Malcolm's band marched into the village and
it was found that they had accomplished the mission on which they went,
had saved Mansfeld, and utterly defeated the Imperialists, and had
returned in undiminished numbers, although two or three had received
wounds more or less serious, principally in the first day's fighting.
They only remained one night in the village.

On the following morning the baggage was placed in the wagons with a
store of fruit and provisions for their march, and after another hearty
adieu the detachment set out in high spirits. After marching for two
days they learned that the Swedish army had marched to Werben, and that
Tilly's army had followed it there.

After the receipt of this news there was no more loitering; the
marches were long and severe, and after making a detour to avoid the
Imperialists the detachment entered the royal camp without having met
with any adventure on the way. His fellow officers flocked round Malcol