nearly six o'clock
Towards the end of January there was some excitement in Pilsen owing to the arrival there of all the generals of the Imperialist army save only Gallas , Coloredo , and Altringer . Malcolm was sure that such a gathering could only have been summoned by Wallenstein upon some matter of the most vital importance , and he determined at all hazards to learn what was taking place , in order that he might enlighten Oxenstiern as to the real sentiments of the duke . Learning that the principal chamber in the castle had been cleared , and that a meeting of the officers would take place there in the evening , he told Thekla when he went home to his meal at midday that she must not be surprised if he did not return until a late hour . He continued his work until nearly six o'clock , the time at which the meeting was to begin , and then extinguishing his light , he made his way through the passages of the castle until he reached the council chamber , meeting with no interruption from the domestics , who were by this time familiar with his person , and who regarded him as one rising in favour with their master . He waited in the vicinity of the chamber until he saw an opportunity for entering unobserved , then he stole into the room and secreted himself behind the arras beneath a table standing against the wall , and where , being in shadow , the bulge in the hanging would not attract attention . In a few minutes he heard heavy steps with the clanking of swords and jingling of spurs , and knew that the council was beginning to assemble . The hum of conversation rose louder and louder for a quarter of an hour ; then he heard the door of the apartment closed , and knew that the council was about to commence .