Gustavus with his staff
rode at once to the gate, which was opened for him; and on entering
he found Ramsay's little force drawn up to salute him as he entered.
It was reduced nearly half in strength, and not a man but was
bleeding from several wounds, while cleft helms and dinted armour
showed how severe had been the fray.
"My brave Scots," he exclaimed, "why were you too quick for me?"
The courtyard of the castle was piled with slain, who were also
scattered in every room throughout it, five hundred having been
slain there before the rest threw down their arms and were given
quarter. This exploit was one of the most valiant which was performed
during the course of the whole war. Four colours were taken, one
of which was that of the Spanish regiment, this being the first of
that nationality which had ever been captured by Gustavus.
After going over the castle, whose capture would have tasked his
resources and the valour of his troops to the utmost had he been
compelled to attack it in the usual way, Gustavus sent for the
officers of Ramsay's companies and thanked them individually for
their capture.
"What! you here, Malcolm Graheme!" Gustavus said as he came in at
the rear of Ramsay's officers. "Why, what had you to do with this
business?"
"I was only a volunteer, sire," Malcolm said. "I crossed with the
parties who fetched the boats; but as my instructions ended there
I had nought to do, and finding that Ramsay's men were about to
march up to the attack of the castle, I thought it best to join
them, being somewhat afraid to stop in the town alone.
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