Being late in the season, Wallenstein put his troops into winter quarters in various places in Bohemia, himself setting up his camp in the city of Pilsen. This gave rise to new suspicions against him, which filled him with such indignation that he determined to resign his command, and was only hindered from so doing by the earnest remonstrance of his generals, who would have lost much by his withdrawal from the army. Knowing that there were spies in the camp, he called the chief officers to his headquarters, and, laying the case before them, showing them that his life was in danger, he had them sign an agreement, swearing loyalty to him as long as he remained in the service of the emperor.
The news of these proceedings reaching Vienna, Ferdinand became greatly alarmed, interpreting this special act of allegiance to Wallenstein as treachery to himself. To avert the threatening danger, he gave the chief command of the army to Count Gallas, declaring Wallenstein and the generals that had signed the fatal document traitors, and gave secret orders that the guilty general should be put to death wherever found.
Wallenstein learning in what peril his life was, sought refuge in Eger, where he intended to join the Swedes, with whom he had come to some agreement. But he was not safe there. February 25, 1634, he was treacherously murdered, together with several of his most faithful generals. Some time after this, twenty-four more were beheaded at Pilsen.
The vast estates of Wallenstein were confiscated, and divided among the favorites of Ferdinand. As Wallenstein’s guilt was never proved, and as he de-
