"
"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. He started
for that town on the very day after he had captured New Brandenburg."
"This is important, indeed," Gustavus said; "follow me," and he
turned and entered the tent. Spread out on the table was a large
map, which the king at once consulted.
"You see, Colonel Munro, that to relieve Magdeburg I must march
through Kustrin, Berlin, and Spandau, and the first and last are
strong fortresses. I can do nothing until the Elector of Brandenburg
declares for us, and gives us leave to pass those places, for
I dare not march round and leave them in my rear until sure that
this weak prince will not take sides with the Imperialists. I will
despatch a messenger tonight to him at Berlin demanding leave to
march through his territory to relieve Magdeburg. In the meantime
we will finish off with this place, and so be in readiness to march
west when his answer arrives. And now, sir," he went on, turning
to Malcolm, "please to give me the account of how you escaped first
from New Brandenburg, and then from Tilly.
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