He then dismounted and handed over his horse to his escort,
who at once started on their way back to Amberg, while he pursued
his journey on foot towards Pilsen. It was late the next evening
before he reached the town; and on arriving he learned that
Wallenstein was still there.
The Imperialist general, immediately upon obtaining the signature
of his officers, had sent to urge Altringer and Gallas, who had been
absent from the meeting, to come to him with all speed. Altringer,
on pretence of sickness, did not comply with the invitation. Gallas
made his appearance, but merely with the intention of finding out
all Wallenstein's plans and of keeping the emperor informed of
them. Piccolomini had, immediately the meeting broke up, sent full
details of its proceedings to the court, and Gallas was furnished
with a secret commission containing the emperor's orders to the
colonels and officers, granting an amnesty for their adhesion to
Wallenstein at Pilsen, and ordering them to make known to the army
that it was released from its obedience to Wallenstein, and was
placed under the command of Gallas himself, who received orders,
if possible, to arrest Wallenstein.
Gallas on his arrival perceived the impossibility of executing his
commission, for Wallenstein's troops and officers were devoted to
him, and not even the crime of high treason could overcome their
veneration and respect for him.
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