Do you know aught about him ?" "Tilly marched west from New Brandenburg," Malcolm said, "and is now besieging Magdeburg." "This is news indeed," Munro said; "you must come with me at once to the king." Malcolm followed Colonel Munro to the royal tent, which was but a few hundred yards away.

Gustavus had just returned after visiting the advanced lines round the city.

On being told that Colonel Munro wished to speak to him on important business, he at once came to the entrance of his tent.
"Allow me to present to you, sire, Malcolm Graheme, a very gallant young officer of my regiment.

He was at New Brandenburg, and I deemed that he had fallen there; how he escaped I have not yet had time to learn, seeing that he has but now ridden into the camp; but as he is bearer of news of the whereabouts of Tilly and his army, I thought it best to bring him immediately to you." "Well, sir," Gustavus said anxiously to Malcolm, "what is your news ?" "Tilly is besieging Magdeburg, sire, with his whole strength." "Magdeburg!" Gustavus exclaimed incredulously.

"Are you sure of your news?
I deemed him advancing upon Frankfort." "Quite sure, sire, for I accompanied his column to within two marches of the city, and there was no secret of his intentions.