CHAPTER IX THE BATTLE OF BREITENFELD
Great joy was manifested as Malcolm's band marched into the village
and it was found that they had accomplished the mission on which
they went, had saved Mansfeld, and utterly defeated the Imperialists,
and had returned in undiminished numbers, although two or three
had received wounds more or less serious, principally in the first
day's fighting. They only remained one night in the village.
On the following morning the baggage was placed in the wagons with
a store of fruit and provisions for their march, and after another
hearty adieu the detachment set out in high spirits. After marching
for two days they learned that the Swedish army had marched to
Werben, and that Tilly's army had followed it there.
After the receipt of this news there was no more loitering; the
marches were long and severe, and after making a detour to avoid the
Imperialists the detachment entered the royal camp without having
met with any adventure on the way. His fellow officers flocked round
Malcolm to congratulate him on his safe return and on his restored
health.
"The change has done wonders for you, Malcolm," Nigel Graheme said.
"Why, when you marched out you were a band of tottering scarecrows,
and now your detachment looks as healthy and fresh as if they had
but yesterday left Scotland; but come in, the bugle has just sounded
to supper, and we are only waiting for the colonel to arrive.
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