I am on the lookout for a
wealthy young countess myself, and I don't think there is one here
who would not lay aside his armour and sword on such inducement.
And now, gentlemen, as we have all finished, I will leave you to
your wine while I go across with our young lieutenant to the king. I
must tell him tonight, or he will not sleep with wondering over the
mystery. We will be back anon and will broach a cask of that famous
wine we picked up the other day, in honour of Malcolm Graheme's
promotion."
Sir John Hepburn was dining with Gustavus, and the meal was just
concluded when Colonel Munro was announced.
"Well, my brave Munro, what is it?" the king said heartily, "and whom
have you here? The young officer who escaped from New Brandenburg
and Tilly, unless I am mistaken."
"It is, sir, but I have to introduce him in a new character
tonight, as the leader of your majesty's army who have defeated
the Imperialists at Mansfeld."
"Say you so?" exclaimed the king. "Then, though I understand you not,
we shall hear a solution of the mystery which has been puzzling us.
Sit down, young sir; fill yourself a flagon of wine, and expound
this riddle to us."
Malcolm repeated the narrative as he had told it to his colonel,
and the king expressed his warm satisfaction.
"You will make a great leader some day if you do not get killed in
one of these adventures, young sir.
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