furniture; and, use what care I will in
packing them, the shaking of the wagons is constantly putting them
out of repair. It was but this morning the duke told me to bring a
craftsman, if one capable of the work could be found in the town, and
to get the clocks put in order, for it displeases him if they do not all
keep the time to the same minute. Follow me."

He led the way into the private apartments of the duke. These were
magnificently furnished, the walls being covered with rich velvet
hangings. Thick carpets brought from the East covered the floors.
Indeed, in point of luxury and magnificence, Wallenstein kept up a state
far surpassing that of his Imperial master.

There were several clocks standing on tables and on brackets, for
Wallenstein, although in most respects of a clear and commanding
intellect, was a slave to superstition. He was always accompanied by an
astrologer, who read for him the course of events from the movements of
the stars, who indicated the lucky and unlucky days, and the hours at
which it was not propitious to transact important business. Hence it
was that he placed so great an importance on the exact observance of the
hour by his numerous time pieces.

"Here are some of the clocks," the steward said, indicating them. "Of
course you cannot work here, and they are too heavy to be removed,
besides being too costly to intrust out of my charge, I will have a room
prepared in the castle where you can work. Come again at noon with your
tools, and all shall be in readiness."

At the hour appointed Malcolm again presented himself.

"The duke has given personal instructions," he said, "that a closet
close by shall be fitted up for you, in order that he himself if he
chooses may see you at work."

Malcolm was conducted to a small room near at hand. Here one of the
clocks which had stopped had been placed on the table, and he at once
set to work. He soon discovered that one of the wheels had been shaken
from its place by the jolting of the wagons, and that the clock could be
set going by a few minutes work. As, however, his object was to prolong
his visit to the castle as long as possible, he set to work and took it
entirely to pieces. Two hours later the door opened and a tall handsome
man of commanding presence entered. Malcolm rose and bowed respectfully,
feeling that he was in the presence of the great general.

"You come from Nuremberg," Wallenstein said, "as I am told, and have
learned