He could not believe that the great Imperialist general, the right
hand of the emperor, had any real intention of turning against
his master. Towards the end of January there was some excitement
in Pilsen owing to the arrival there of all the generals of the
Imperialist army save only Gallas, Coloredo, and Altringer.
Malcolm was sure that such a gathering could only have been summoned
by Wallenstein upon some matter of the most vital importance, and
he determined at all hazards to learn what was taking place, in
order that he might enlighten Oxenstiern as to the real sentiments
of the duke. Learning that the principal chamber in the castle had
been cleared, and that a meeting of the officers would take place
there in the evening, he told Thekla when he went home to his meal
at midday that she must not be surprised if he did not return until
a late hour. He continued his work until nearly six o'clock, the
time at which the meeting was to begin, and then extinguishing his
light, he made his way through the passages of the castle until
he reached the council chamber, meeting with no interruption from
the domestics, who were by this time familiar with his person,
and who regarded him as one rising in favour with their master. He
waited in the vicinity of the chamber until he saw an opportunity
for entering unobserved, then he stole into the room and secreted
himself behind the arras beneath a table standing against the
wall, and where, being in shadow, the bulge in the hanging would
not attract attention.
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