Malcolm had brought with him from Tilly's camp a supply of provisions
sufficient for three or four days, and a flask of wine. Before he
started from New Brandenburg the syndic had slipped into his band
a purse containing ten gold pieces, and whenever he came to a village
which had escaped the ravages of the war he had no difficulty in
obtaining provisions.

It was pitiable at each place to see the anxiety with which the
villagers crowded round him upon his arrival and questioned him as
to the position of the armies and whether he had met with any parties
of raiders on the way. Everywhere the cattle had been driven into
the woods; boys were posted as lookouts on eminences at a distance
to bring in word should any body of men be seen moving in that
direction; and the inhabitants were prepared to fly instantly at
the approach of danger.

The news that Tilly's army was marching in the opposite direction
was received with a deep sense of thankfulness and relief, for they
were now assured of a respite from his plunderers, although still
exposed to danger from the arrival of some of the numerous bands.
These, nominally fighting for one or other of the parties, were
in truth nothing but marauders, being composed of deserters and
desperadoes of all kinds, who lived upon the misfortunes of the
country, and were even more cruel and pitiless than were the regular
troops.

At one of these villages Malcolm exchanged his attire as a serving
man of a rich burgher for that of a peasant lad. He was in ignorance
of the present position of the Swedish army, and was making for