It is a tremendous job even for Frederick to tackle." They remained for three weeks at Prague, and were then informed by the governor that he had orders for them to be removed to Olmuetz.
Accordingly, the next day eight of the officers started on horseback, under an escort.

When they reached Bruenn they found that they were to be separated, and the next morning Captain Hindeman and Fergus were taken to the fortress of Spielberg.
"An awkward place either to get in or out of, Drummond," the captain said, as they approached the fortress.
"Very much so," Fergus agreed.

"But if I see a chance, I shall certainly do my best to escape before spring." "I don't think there is much chance of that," the other said gloomily.

"If we had been left at Prague, or even at Bruenn, there might have been some chance; but in these fortresses, where everything is conducted on a very severe system, and they are veritable prisons, I don't think that anything without wings has a chance of getting away." As a rule, officers taken prisoners in war enjoyed a considerable amount of liberty; and were even allowed to reside in the houses of citizens, on giving their parole.

The enforced embodiment of the Saxons in the Prussian army had, however, excited such a storm of indignation throughout Europe that it greatly damaged Frederick's cause.