“The result of all these acts was the failure of the Bohemian army to meet the emergency when the decisive hour approached.”
“At last you are coming to the point, Pruckmann. Tell me when and where the battle occurred.”
“The battle took place fourteen days ago, on the eighth of November, at White Mountain, near Prague.”
“Did Maximilian of Bavaria lead his army against my brother in the battle?”
“He led the army of the Catholics in person. But your brother was not there.”
“Not there! Where was he, then?”
“The news of the defeat reached him at dinner, in Prague. He hurried to the ramparts and beheld his army in full retreat.”
“And now?”
“Your princely brother asked for an armistice of twenty-four hours. Only eight was granted. He took advantage of the armistice to fly, his wife and children and the leaders following him.”
The Electoress breathed heavily. “Is everything, then, lost?” she said, after a pause. “What does the black raven say about it? [She meant Schwarzenberg.] Ah! he has a keen scent.”