The astonishment of Gustavus and of Hepburn, who was now marching with his men towards the castle, at hearing the rattle of musketry and the din of battle within the very heart of the fortress was great indeed, and this was heightened when, a few minutes later, the soldiers were seen leaping desperately from the walls, and a great shout arose from the troops as the Imperial banner was seen to descend from its flagstaff on the keep.  Gustavus with his staff rode at once 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 garrison swept the ground that by morning the first parallel was completed, and the soldiers were under shelter behind a thick bank of earth.