Neumann in the confusion escaped into the court, where he too was
cut down. Illo burst through his assailants, and placing his back
against a window stood on his defence. As he kept his assailants
at bay he poured the bitterest reproaches upon Gordon for his
treachery, and challenged him to fight him fairly and honourably.
After a gallant resistance, in which he slew two of his assailants,
he fell to the ground overpowered by numbers, and pierced with ten
wounds.
Malcolm had sprung to his feet at the commencement of the tumult,
but was pressed down again into his chair by two soldiers, while
Leslie exclaimed, "Keep yourself quiet, sir, I would fain save you
as a fellow countryman, and as one who is simply here in the execution
of his duty; but if you draw sword to defend these traitors, you
must share their fate."
No sooner had the murder of the four officers been accomplished
than Leslie, Butler, and Gordon issued into the town. Butler's
cavalry paraded the streets, and that officer quieted the garrison
by telling them that Wallenstein had been proclaimed a traitor and
an outlaw, and that all who were faithful to the emperor must obey
their orders. The regiments most attached to Wallenstein had not
entered the city, and the garrison listened to the voice of their
commander.
Wallenstein knew nothing of what had taken place in the castle,
and had just retired to bed when a band of Butler's soldiers, led
by Captain Devereux, an Irishman, burst into his apartment.
Pages:
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393