the intrenched camp of Schwedt, on the Oder, which Gustavus had
not left when he had last heard of him.

On the fourth day after leaving the camp of Tilly, as Malcolm was
proceeding across a bare and desolate country he heard a sound of
galloping behind him, and saw a party of six rough looking horsemen
coming along the road. As flight would have been useless he continued
his way until they overtook him. They reined up when they reached
him.

"Where are you going, boy, and where do you belong to?" the leader
of the party asked.

"I am going in search of work," Malcolm answered. "My village is
destroyed and my parents killed."

"Don't tell me that tale," the man said, drawing a pistol from his
holster. "I can tell by your speech that you are not a native of
these parts."

There was nothing in the appointments of the men to indicate which
party they favoured, and Malcolm thought it better to state exactly
who he was, for a doubtful answer might be followed by a pistol
shot, which would have brought his career to a close.

"You are right," he said quietly; "but in these times it is not safe
always to state one's errand to all comers. I am a Scotch officer
in the army of the King of Sweden. I was in New Brandenburg when it
was stormed by Tilly. I disguised myself, and, passing unnoticed,
was forced to accompany his army as a teamster. The second night I