In reality, sir, I am a Scottish officer, a captain in the service of Sweden." Wallenstein gave a short exclamation of angry surprise.

"You must not think, sir, that I have come hither in disguise to be a spy upon the movements of your army.

I came here unwillingly, being captured by your troops, and forced to accompany them.
"I left the Swedish camp on a private mission, having received there a missive from the Countess of Mansfeld, who, with her husband, was a kind friend of mine, telling me that they were prisoners of the emperor at Prague, and begging me to come to their assistance.

Bethinking me of the occupation which had amused my leisure hours during the weary months when we were shut up by you in Nuremberg, I obtained leave of absence, attired myself as a craftsman, and made my way to Prague.

There I found the count confined to his couch by a wound and unable to move.