“I am a Scottish officer in the King of Sweden’s army,” Malcolm said, “and fought at Schiefelbrune and New Brandenburg, and in the fight when the Imperialists tried to relieve Colberg, and having, I hope, done my duty in three such desperate struggles against the Imperialist veterans, I need not shrink from an encounter with these freebooters.  If you decide to defend the village I am ready to strike a blow at them, for they have held me captive for five days, and have degraded me by making me cook for them.”

A slight titter was heard among the younger females at the indignant tone in which Malcolm spoke of his enforced culinary work.

“And you are truly one of those Scottish soldiers of the Swedish hero who fight so stoutly for the Faith and of whose deeds we have heard so much!” the pastor said.  “Truly we are glad to see you.  Our prayers have not been wanting night and morning for the success of the champions of the Reformed Faith.  What say you, my friend?  Shall we take the advice of this young soldier and venture our lives for the defence of our homes?”

“That will we,” the farmer said warmly.  “He is used to war, and can give us good advice.  As far as strength goes, our men are not wanting.  Each has his sword and pike, and there are four or five arquebuses in the village.  Yes, if there be a chance of success, even of the slightest, we will do our best as men in defence of our homes.”

CHAPTER VI THE ATTACK ON THE VILLAGE

“And now,” the farmer said to Malcolm, “what is your advice?  That we will fight is settled.  When, where, and how?  This house is strongly built, and we could so strengthen its doors and windows with beams that we might hold out for a long time against them.”

“No,” Malcolm said, “that would not be my advice.  Assuredly we might defend the house; but in that case the rest of the village, the herds and granaries, would fall into their hands.  To do any good, we must fight them in the wood on their way hither.  But although I hope for a favourable issue, I should strongly advise that you should have the herds and horses driven away.  Send off all your more valuable goods in the wagons, with your women and children, to a distance.  We shall fight all the better if we know that they are all in safety.  Some of the old men and boys will suffice for this work.  And now, methinks, you had best summon the men, for there will be work for them tonight.”

The bell which was used to call the hands from their work in the fields and woods at sunset soon sounded, and the men in surprise came trooping in at the summons.  When they were assembled the farmer told them the news he had heard, and the determination which had been arrived at to defend the village.

After the first movement of alarm caused by the name of the dreaded band of the Wolfsburg had subsided Malcolm was glad to see an expression of stout determination come over the faces of the assemblage, and all declared themselves ready to fight to the last.  Four of the elder men were told off at once to superintend the placing of the more movable household goods of the village in wagons, which were to set out at daybreak with the cattle and families.