The singing was not interrupted by the entrance of the newcomer.
Many eyes were cast in his direction, but seeing that their leaders
went on unmoved, the little congregation continued their hymn with
great fervour and force. When they had done the pastor prayed for
some time, and then dismissed the congregation with his blessing.
They filed out in a quiet and orderly way, but not until the last
had left did the master of the house show any sign of observing
Malcolm, who had taken his place near the door.
Then he said gravely, "Strangers do not often find their way
to Glogau, and in truth we can do without them, for a stranger in
these times too often means a foe; but you are young, my lad, though
strong enough to bear weapons, and can mean us no ill. What is it
that brings you to our quiet village?"
"I have, sir, but this morning escaped from the hands of the
freebooters at Wolfsburg, and I come to warn you that last night I
heard them agree to attack and sack your village tomorrow; therefore,
before pursuing my own way, which is to the camp of the Swedish
king, in whose service I am, I came hither to warn you of their
intention."
Exclamations of alarm arose from the females of the farmer's family,
who were sitting at the end of the room. The farmer waved his hand
and the women were instantly silent.
"This is bad news, truly," he said gravely; "hitherto God has
protected our village and suffered us to worship Him in our own
way in peace and in quiet in spite of the decrees of emperors and
princes.
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