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 Malcolm to congratulate him on his safe return and on his restored health.

“The change has done wonders for you, Malcolm,” Nigel Graheme said.  “Why, when you marched out you were a band of tottering scarecrows, and now your detachment looks as healthy and fresh as if they had but yesterday left Scotland; but come in, the bugle has just sounded to supper, and we are only waiting for the colonel to arrive.  He is at present in council with the king with Hepburn and some more.  Ah! here he comes.”

Munro rode up and leapt from his horse, and after heartily greeting Malcolm led the way into the tent where supper was laid out.  Malcolm was glad to see by the faces of his comrades that all had shaken off the disease which had played such havoc among them at Old Brandenburg.

“Is there any chance of a general engagement?” he asked Nigel.

“Not at present,” Nigel said.  “We are expecting the reinforcements up in a few days.  As you see we have fortified the camp too strongly for Tilly to venture to attack us here.  Only yesterday he drew up his army and offered us battle; but the odds were too great, and the king will not fight till his reinforcements arrive.  Some of the hotter spirits were sorry that he would not accept Tilly’s invitation, and I own that I rather gnashed my teeth myself; but I knew that the king was right in not risking the whole cause rashly when a few days will put us in a position to meet the Imperialists on something like equal terms.  Is there any news, colonel?” he asked, turning to Munro.