A brace of pistols were placed in the holsters, and with a last
farewell to the farmer Malcolm gave the rein to his horse and rode
away from the village. He travelled fast now and without fear of
interruption. The sight of armed men riding to join one or other
of the armies was too common to attract any attention, and avoiding
large towns Malcolm rode unmolested across the plain.
He presently heard the report that the Swedes had captured
Frankfort-on-the-Oder, and as he approached that town, after four
days' riding, heard that they had moved towards Landsberg. Thither
he followed them, and came up to them outside the walls of that
place six days after leaving Glogau. The main body of the Swedish
army had remained in and around Frankfort, Gustavus having marched
against Landsberg with only 3200 musketeers, 12 pieces of cannon,
and a strong body of horse. Hepburn and Reay's Scotch regiments
formed part of the column, and Malcolm with delight again saw the
green scarves and banners.
As he rode into the camp of his regiment he was unnoticed by the
soldiers until he reached the tents of the officers, before which
Colonel Munro was standing talking with several others. On seeing
an officer approach in full armour they looked up, and a cry of
astonishment broke from them on recognizing Malcolm.
"Is it you, Malcolm Graheme, or your wraith?" Munro exclaimed.
Pages:
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107