Finding that he could do nothing,
and fearful that Wallenstein should discover the commission with
which he was charged, Gallas sought for a pretence to escape from
Pilsen, and offered to go to Altringer and to persuade him to return
with him.
Wallenstein had no doubts of the fidelity of the general, and
allowed him to depart. As he did not return at once Piccolomini,
who was also most anxious to get out of the grasp of Wallenstein,
offered to go and fetch both Gallas and Altringer. Wallenstein
consented, and conveyed Piccolomini in his own carriage to Lintz.
No sooner had Piccolomini left him than he hurried to his own command,
denounced Wallenstein as a traitor, and prepared to surprise the
duke in Pilsen. Gallas at the same time sent round copies of his
commission to all the Imperial camps.
Upon his arrival Malcolm at once proceeded to the castle, and,
finding the steward, requested him to inform the duke that he had
returned. In a few minutes he was ushered into his presence, and
handed to him the letter from Oxenstiern. Wallenstein tore it
open without a word and gave an exclamation of satisfaction as he
glanced it through.
"This is opportune indeed," he said, "and I thank you for bringing
me the news so rapidly. Well did the astrologer say that my destiny
to some extent depended on you; this is a proof that he was right.
The chancellor tells me that the Duke of Saxe-Lauenberg will march
instantly with four thousand men to join me, and that Duke Bernhard
will move down at once with six thousand of the best Swedish troops.
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