Send no written answer, for the danger is too great." Malcolm twisted off two or three links of the chain which had long before been presented to him by the count, and then, until relieved from duty, paced up and down, slowly revolving in his mind what could best be done to aid his friends.

His mind was at last made up, and when his company was called in he went to his colonel and asked for leave of absence, stating his reasons for wishing to absent himself from the regiment.
"It is a perilous business, Malcolm," Colonel Munro said.

"I have scarce a handful of the friends with whom I joined Gustavus but three years and a half ago remaining, and I can ill spare another; nevertheless I will not stay you in your enterprise.

The Count of Mansfeld has been a steady ally of ours, and is one of the few who has appeared to have at heart the cause of Protestantism rather than of personal gain.
"Moreover, he is as you say a friend of yours, and has shown you real kindness in time of need.

Therefore go, my boy, and Heaven be with you! It is not likely that there will be any more serious fighting this year.