At Erfurt he found the small garrison full of rumours of an impending attack from the Landgrave of Hesse Cassel, and although he had reason to believe that that prince was not yet in a posture to march, Nigel thought it wise to leave his regiment there with Hildebrand, partly to get further drilling and some rest for their horses, partly to overawe the townspeople and put the place in some condition to resist the Landgrave should he venture to attack it. In the meantime, with a small escort, he rode as fast as his horses could go to Wolmerstadt, where he found General Tilly.
The little great man received him with his customary grimness of demeanour. The thin hollow cheeks looked hollower than before, and the red feather in the small high peaked hat danced with a more sinister gaiety than ever.
"Well, Colonel Charteris?" Tilly never forgot his officers nor their names. "Where is your regiment?"
"At Erfurt, General!"
"Why?"
"The Landgrave of Hesse was mustering his troops when I spoke to him seven days ago. They say he is marching now to join Gustavus."
"I'll give him something to march for! And he shall find little to eat on his march," barked Tilly. "What artillery at Erfurt?"
Nigel answered that they had twelve pieces of ordnance and sufficient ammunition.
General Tilly gave immediate order for two thousand foot and two thousand horse to be made ready to start.