to the gate, which was
opened for him; and on entering he found Ramsay's little force drawn up
to salute him as he entered. It was reduced nearly half in strength, and
not a man but was bleeding from several wounds, while cleft helms and
dinted armour showed how severe had been the fray.

"My brave Scots," he exclaimed, "why were you too quick for me?"

The courtyard of the castle was piled with slain, who were also
scattered in every room throughout it, five hundred having been slain
there before the rest threw down their arms and were given quarter.
This exploit was one of the most valiant which was performed during the
course of the whole war. Four colours were taken, one of which was that
of the Spanish regiment, this being the first of that nationality which
had ever been captured by Gustavus.

After going over the castle, whose capture would have tasked his
resources and the valour of his troops to the utmost had he been
compelled to attack it in the usual way, Gustavus sent for the officers
of Ramsay's companies and thanked them individually for their capture.

"What! you here, Malcolm Graheme!" Gustavus said as he came in at the
rear of Ramsay's officers. "Why, what had you to do with this business?"

"I was only a volunteer, sire," Malcolm said. "I crossed with the
parties who fetched the boats; but as my instructions ended there I had
nought to do, and finding that Ramsay's men were about to march up to
the attack of the castle, I thought it best to join them, being somewhat
afraid to stop in the town alone."

"And he did valiant service, sire," the major said. "I marked him in the
thick of the fight, and saw more than one Imperialist go down before his
sword."

"You know the story of the pitcher and the well, Captain Graheme," the
king said, smiling. "Some day you will go once too often, and I shall
have to mourn the loss of one of the bravest young officers in my army."

There was no rest for the soldiers of Gustavus, and no sooner had
Oppenheim fallen than the army marched against Maintz. This was defended
by two thousand Spanish troops under Don Philip de Sylvia, and was
a place of immense strength. It was at once invested, and trenches
commenced on all sides, the Green Brigade as usual having the post
of danger and honour facing the citadel. The investment began in the
evening, but so vigorously did the Scotch work all night in spite of
the heavy musketry and artillery fire with which the garriso