What he had seen convinced him that Wallenstein was really in earnest in the propositions which he had made to Oxenstiern and the Elector of Saxony, and that he meditated an open rebellion against the emperor.

It was of extreme importance that Oxenstiern should be made acquainted with these facts; but it would be next to impossible to escape from Pilsen, burdened as he was with Thekla, and to cross the country which intervened between the two armies and which was constantly traversed by cavalry parties and scouts of both sides.
After much deliberation, therefore, he determined upon the bold course of frankly informing Wallenstein who he was and what he had heard, and to beg of him to furnish him with an escort to pass through the lines in order that he might make his way with all speed to Oxenstiern in order to assure him of the good faith of the duke and of the importance of his frankly and speedily accepting his proposals.

It was possible, of course, that he might fall a victim to Wallenstein's first anger when he found out that he had been duped, and the plot in which he was engaged discovered; but he resolved to run the risk, believing that the duke would see the advantage to be gained by complying with his proposal.
It was necessary, however, to prepare Thekla for the worst.
"Thekla," he said in the morning, "an end has come to our stay here.
Circumstances have occurred which will either enable us to continue our journey at once and in safety or which may place me in a prison." Thekla gave a cry of surprise and terror.

"I do not think, my dear girl," Malcolm went on, "that there is much fear of the second alternative, but we must be prepared for it.

You must obey my instructions implicitly.