Chapter II: Meeting of Carpenter and Wills

|Preparations were made by the insurgent leaders at all the barricades for a renewal of hostilities, and Brigadier Mackintosh had just given orders to Tom Syddall to commence the demolition of the two large houses in Church-street, when word was brought that a very large force, consisting of more than two thousand horse, could be seen approaching from the north.

No doubt could be entertained that this force belonged to General Carpenter, who must have made an early march from Clitheroe in order to effect a junction with Wills before the attack was resumed.

All was now consternation among the besieged, who felt that some immediate step must be taken, or they would be shut in.

Colonel Mackintosh proposed to sally forth with his men, and consulted the brigadier, who dissuaded him from the attempt, declaring it impracticable.

As usual, General Forster was completely undecided.

Half an hour later, General Carpenter arrived, and took up a position on the north side of the town. He was accompanied by the Earl of Carlisle and Lord Lumley, and rode at the head of Churchill's, Molesworth's, and Cobham's dragoons.

With these were several regiments of horse, making a total of two thousand five hundred men.

No wonder such an accession of force should have utterly extinguished the hopes of the insurgents.

Immediately on his arrival, General Carpenter rode up an eminence, and was looking at the Windmill barricade, when a shot fired from the cannon planted on that barrier fell very near him, and caused him to shift his position.

While he was giving some directions to Colonel Churchill, General Wills rode up, attended by Colonel Pitt, and expressed his satisfaction at seeing him.

“In resigning the command of the force to you, general,” he said, “I hope you will approve of the manner in which I have conducted the operations of the siege. Even if I had not had the advantage of your assistance, I doubt not that I should have been able to conclude the affair to-day. The rebels, I am bound to say, have fought very bravely, and have made a very gallant defence, especially the Highlanders; but I have determined, at any cost, to take the barricade commanded by Brigadier Mackintosh, and then they must surrender.”

“You have done very well, general,” replied Carpenter. “Nothing could be better. Retain your command. I will not deprive you of the victory you have so nearly achieved.”

“I thank you, general, and am proud to receive your commendation,” replied Wills. “But I bow to your experience, and any suggestions you may offer shall be immediately adopted. Before the decisive attack is made, I should wish you to survey the town.”

“I propose to do so,” replied Carpenter.

Having posted six squadrons of dragoons under the command of Colonel Churchill to prevent any attempt at flight from the Windmill barricade, General Carpenter rode down towards the south side of the town with Wills.

They were attended by a strong guard, and accompanied by the two noblemen previously mentioned. On the way they met Sir Henry Hoghton with a party of militia, and while General Carpenter was conversing with Sir Henry, Parson Woods and a dozen of his men came up from the ford, with some fugitive insurgents, whom they had just captured.

Learning from Woods that constant escapes were taking place from the Fishergate avenue, General Carpenter gave orders that the outlet should be effectually blocked up without delay, so as not only to check any further flight, but prevent supplies of provisions from being brought in.

Finding that the entrance to the Churchgate avenue was inconveniently crowded, so that the troops could not act, Carpenter made a different disposition of the troops; and deeming it probable that a most determined attempt at escape might be made from the north of the town, he caused this outlet to be still more strongly guarded.

When all these orders had been executed, and every outlet was blocked up, the two generals divided their forces, and completely surrounded the town.

III.--GENERAL FORSTER WISHES TO CAPITULATE.

|From his post on the church-tower, Captain Gordon had witnessed these proceedings and reported them to Brigadier Mackintosh.

Though not disheartened, the brave old Highlander felt that the situation was one of the utmost peril, and could perceive only one way of extricating himself from it, but this he was unwilling to adopt, unless joined by his English allies, and he felt sure that Forster had not resolution enough for such a course of action.

His men, however, could hardly be restrained. No sooner did they discover that they were pent up in the town, than they wished to sally forth, sword in hand, and cut their way through the enemy.

The brigadier told them it was too soon--that they must wait till night--and if nothing happened in the interim, he would lead them forth.

Colonel Mackintosh's men were equally impatient, and though they saw the squadrons of dragoons posted near the Lancaster avenue, they would have attempted to cut a passage through them, if allowed.

Meanwhile a conference took place at the Mitre between General Forster, the Earl of Derwentwater, Lord Wid-drington, and Colonel Oxburgh.

As it was now evident that the town was completely blocked up, and could not hold out long, it was necessary that some terms of surrender should immediately be made.

Lord Derwentwater recommended that a council of war should be called at once, at which all the Scottish leaders should assist, but Forster would not accede to the proposition.

“If Mackintosh and the rest are consulted, we shall never be able to make good terms with Carpenter and Wills,” said Forster. “Let them treat for themselves.”

“But it will not be fair to treat without them,” observed the earl.

“Nothing whatever will be done, if Mackintosh is consulted,” said Lord Widdrington. “Our estates I fear will be confiscated, but we must make an effort to save our lives.”

“I fear the attempt will be useless,” said Lord Derwent-water. “And I would die rather than do aught dishonourable.”

“There is nothing dishonourble in what I propose,” said Forster; “but I feel certain the Scots will never consent to a surrender.”

“Yes, they would consider themselves degraded by such submission,” said Lord Denventwater.

“If they choose to throw away their lives they must do so,” said Lord Widdrington. “But do not let us act thus rashly.”

“I am acquainted with General Wills,” said Colonel Oxburgh, “and if you desire it, I will propose a treaty to him. Rest assured, I will assent to no disgraceful terms.”

Lord Derwentwater was still very unwilling that the step should be taken without consulting Brigadier Mackintosh, but he yielded at last to the representations of Lord Widdrington and Forster.

IV.--COLONEL OXBURGH PROPOSES TERMS OF SURRENDER TO WILLS.

|About half an hour later, Colonel Oxburgh, preceded by a trumpeter on horseback, rode out of the Fishergate.

He was immediately stopped by the guard, but on explaining his errand, was conducted by a sergeant and two dragoons to Wills's tent, which was about a quarter of a mile off.

General Wills was seated at a small table in the centre of the tent, when Colonel Oxburgh was announced by a sentinel.

Wills raised his head, and looking at him very sternly, demanded his business.

“You will guess it without difficulty, I think, general,” replied Oxburgh. “I am come to propose that the insurgent force shall lay down their arms in the confident expectation that you will recommend them for pardon to the king.”

“Entertain no such expectation, sir,” rejoined Wills still more sternly. “I will not treat with rebels. Those for whom you plead have killed many of the king's subjects, and deserve death.”

“But since they are willing to submit, general, I hope that consideration may be shown them,” said Oxburgh.

“Expect none from me, sir,” rejoined Wills, harshly. “Clemency is thrown away on rebels. Go back to those who sent you. Tell them, if they lay down their arms, and submit themselves prisoners at discretion, I will prevent my soldiers from cutting them to pieces, and spare their lives till his majesty's pleasure is known. That is all I will promise.”

“Do you require an immediate decision, general?”

“I will give you an hour--no more,” replied Wills.

“I am greatly disappointed, general,” said Colonel Oxburgh. “I expected very different terms from you.”

“I have already told you that I will make no terms with rebels such as you,” rejoined Wills. “If you are not satisfied, return to the town, and an hour hence--to the minute--I will attack you, and put you to the sword.”

“Do you mean me to understand, general,” said Oxburgh, looking at him steadfastly, “that King George will show us no mercy?”

“I do not say that,” replied Wills. “Nor do I hold out any promise. Your best chance of obtaining mercy is by surrendering yourselves prisoners at discretion.”

Finding nothing more could be obtained, Colonel Oxburgh departed.

V.--CAPTAIN DALZIEL HAS A CONFERENCE WITH WILLS.

|Inquiring glances were thrown at the envoy as he rode through the Fishergate barricade, but he went on till he was stopped by Brigadier Mackintosh, who said to him in a fierce voice:

“What means this cessation of arms? Why have you quitted the town? You have been sent by Forster to propose a treaty for capitulation--and without privity or concurrence of the Scots.”

“General Forster has betrayed us--has sold us!” cried several Highlanders. “We will shoot him.”

“No treaty has been agreed upon,” cried Oxburgh in a loud voice, so that all might hear. “I have seen General Wills, who demands an unconditional surrender from all--Scotsmen as well as Englishmen. An hour is granted for consideration--but a fourth part of the time has already expired,” he added, consulting his watch.

“What say you, my men?” cried Mackintosh. “Will you surrender?”

“Never!” they cried. “We will die sword in hand.”

“I warn you that no quarter will be given,” said Oxburgh.

“We will neither give nor take quarter,” cried the Highlanders. “We will show the Southrons how brave men can die.”

“Then I am to understand, brigadier, that you utterly refuse the terms?” said Oxburgh.

“Utterly!” replied Mackintosh.

Just then General Forster was seen coming along on horseback, accompanied by the Earl of Derwentwater and Lord Widdrington.

Fearing some mischief might happen in the present infuriated state of the Highlanders, Oxburgh signed to the general to go back, and the brigadier also called to his men energetically to keep quiet, but despite the interdiction, several shots were fired.

Fortunately Forster escaped, but he would not expose himself further. Turning round he galloped back towards the market-place, followed more deliberately by the two noblemen.

Immediately afterwards, the Earl of Nithsdale, the Earl of Wintoun, the Earl of Carnwath, and his brother Captain Dalziel, rode up to the spot, and stopping Colonel Oxburgh, who was about to depart, demanded an explanation.

“We have been betrayed by Forster--that is all that can be told,” cried Mackintosh, scornfully.

“General Forster is no traitor, my lords,” said Oxburgh, firmly. “I have just seen Wills, who refuses to make any treaty with us, and insists that we shall lay down our arms. Our answer must be given within an hour, and but little of it now remains.”

“We have had no time for deliberation,” said Lord Carnwath.

“Perchance, if you go to General Wills in person, my lords, you may obtain some further respite,” said Oxburgh. “I can obtain nothing.”

“Shall I go as representative of the Scottish forces?” said Captain Dalziel.

“Go at once, or it will be too late. You have not many minutes left,” said Oxburgh.

“Do you agree to the step, brigadier?” asked Captain Dalziel.

“Act as those desire who have more to lose than I have,” said Mackintosh.

“Then go,” cried the three Scottish nobles.

Thereupon, Captain Dalziel rode forth, and preceded by the same trumpeter who had attended Colonel Oxburgh, made all haste to General Wills's tent.

A conference was granted him.

“Are you aware of the terms I have offered to Colonel Oxburgh?” said Wills. “They apply to the whole rebel army--English and Scots. I can make no distinction.”

“But the Scottish chiefs whom I represent, request some further time--say till seven o'clock to-morrow morning--to consult as to the best mode of delivering up our forces. It will not be an easy matter.”

“If you find it difficult, leave it to me,” said Wills, with a stern smile. “I cannot grant the delay you request without consulting General Carpenter--but you shall hear from me.”

And with a haughty bow he dismissed him.

VI.--HOW FORSTER LEARNT THAT HE HAD BEEN BETRAYED.

|After riding away from the exasperated Highlanders, Forster alighted at the town-hall, and meeting Charles Radclyffe and Captain Shaftoe told them what had happened.

“I believe Brigadier Mackintosh has ordered his Highlanders to shoot me,” he said. “My life will not be safe.”

“Do not think it, general,” rejoined Charles Radclyffe. “The brigadier is incapable of such an act. But you had better not expose yourself while the negotiation for the surrender is going on.”

“I shall take care not to do so,” he replied. “I shall remain here for an hour. I want to see Mrs. Scarisbrick.”

“Mrs. Scarisbrick!” exclaimed Charles Radclyffe. “Have you not heard?”

“Heard what?” exclaimed Forster, looking at him in surprise. “I have heard nothing. I have not seen her this morning. I expected to find her here.”

“She is here,” said Charles Radclyffe. “But I cannot explain. Come with me and you shall know all.”

Not without a strange misgiving did Forster follow him along a passage on the ground floor, at a door in which an elderly female was stationed.

“Here you will find her,” said Charles Radclyffe, in a strangely significant tone.

“Impossible!” cried Forster.

“Yes, general, she is here,” remarked the old woman, opening the door. “She has not been disturbed.”

The room was darkened, but there was light enough to discern a very startling object.

It was the dead body of a very beautiful woman lying extended upon a couch.

Her habiliments were those in which she had died, and her profuse golden tresses were unbound, and scattered over her bosom where she had received the deadly hurt.

Giving utterance to a cry, Forster rushed forward, and seizing her hand pressed it to his lips.

“This completes my misery,” he cried. “In losing her I have lost all that was dear to me, and I care not how soon I follow.”

“She deserved her fate,” said Charles Raclyffe. “She betrayed you and us to the enemy. She was accidentally shot last night, while returning from a secret visit to General Wills. I brought her here myself. I found letters upon her which prove her guilt. I intended to conceal this catastrophe from you--but it is better you should know it.”

“You affirm the truth of what you have just stated?” demanded Forster.

“In every particular,” rejoined Charles Radclyffe. “You were completely duped by her.”

Forster dropped the hand he had hitherto held, and without a word quitted the room.

VII.--COLONEL COTTON.

|In the afternoon of the same day, General Forster, Lord Derwentwater, Brigadier Mackintosh, and all the rebel lords and leaders were assembled at the Mitre, engaged in a very angry discussion, when a chamade beaten at the door, produced a sudden quietude, and a tall, fine-looking officer in the accoutrements of the king's dragoons came into the room, being announced by the sentinel as Colonel Cotton.

All bowed as he advanced towards the centre of the room, when looking round, he said courteously:

“You will guess my errand, my lords and gentlemen. I am sent by General Wills to receive your positive answer to his proposition.”

“We are unable to send a precise answer to General Wills,” said the Earl of Derwentwater, “because the Scots are unwilling to capitulate. Brigadier Mackintosh and the Scottish nobles will tell you that this is the case.”

“My men absolutely refuse to lay down their arms,” said the brigadier, “and it is the same with the Clan Chattan, commanded by my kinsman, Colonel Mackintosh.”

“Perhaps, by to-morrow morning, we may bring them to reason,” said Lord Kenmure. “Just now, it is impossible.”

“I will report what you tell me to General Wills,” said Cotton.

As he was about to depart, word was brought that the drummer had been shot while beating a chamade before a house, whence firing had taken place subsequent to the cessation of arms.

This unlucky incident seemed likely to put an end to the negotiation, but it was counterbalanced by another great provocation to the rebels, which they were disposed to resent.

Half a dozen insurgents, led by Cornet Shuttleworth, had managed to reach the ford at Penwortham, when they were attacked, and in consequence of their resistance, put to death.

After these events had been referred to, Colonel Cotton addressed the English and Scottish lords and chiefs, and said, in order to prevent further bloodshed, he would agree--in General Wills's name--to grant the time required, provided they pledged their word that no new works should be thrown up, and no further attempt be made to escape.

Promises to this effect being given, Colonel Cotton departed.

VIII.--HOSTAGES REQUIRED.

|General Wills, however, did not appear satisfied with what had been done.

About an hour later, Colonel Churchill and Colonel Nassau entered the town, and on the part of Generals Carpenter and Wills, declared that an English and a Scottish nobleman must be delivered up as hostages for the due fulfilment of the conditions.

“We require the Earl of Dervventwater on the part of the English, and Lord Kenmure on that of the Scots,” said Colonel Churchill.

“Why not take General Forster?” asked Captain Dalziel.

“We prefer Lord Derwentwater or Lord Widdring-ton,” replied Churchill, with a singular smile.

“I must tell you frankly, colonel,” said Dalziel, “that in the opinion of the Scots, General Forster has made an arrangement for himself through Colonel Oxburgh with General Wills. It has clearly been ascertained that a lady of great personal beauty, who had extraordinary influence over General Forster, gave secret information to General Wills. Last night she was accidentally shot while returning from a visit--it is supposed--to your camp. Now, when we find that a proposal for surrender is made by General Forster without consulting us--and that when a hostage is required, it is not Forster, but Lord Derwentwater who is selected, can you wonder we believe we are betrayed? Here is a general who refuses to march or fight--who declares the enemy is at a distance when he proves to be close at hand--who has intimate relations with a lady, who acts as a spy--and who proposes to surrender, and makes terms for himself, while we desire to continue the contest--can we doubt that he is a traitor?”

“You do not expect us to sympathise with you because you have an incompetent leader?” said Colonel Churchill.

“Incapacity is one thing--treachery another, colonel,” said Captain Dalziel. “We Scots all believe Forster has played us false. I do not think his life is secure. Take him with you. He will be safer with you than with us.”

“My orders are explicit,” said Churchill. “I must bring either of the English lords I have mentioned, and Lord Kenmure.”

“Lord Kenmure will not come out,” said Dalziel. “Nor will my brother, Lord Carnwath--or any other Scottish noble.”

“Then Brigadier Mackintosh must come with me,” said Churchill.

“The brigadier is gone to bed, greatly fatigued,” replied Dalziel.

“I regard that as a mere excuse,” said Churchill, gravely. “I begin to think the treaty will fall to the ground. For the sake of the garrison, I hope not. If the attack is recommenced, none will be spared.”

Just then the Earl of Derwentwater and Colonel Mackintosh alighted at the door of the inn, and were announced by the sentinel. Both saluted Colonel Churchill.

“Colonel Mackintosh and myself are come to offer ourselves as hostages if required,” said the earl. “We do not desire that any needless difficulties should be raised, and are therefore ready to accompany you.”

“I surrender myself with his lordship,” said Colonel Mackintosh.

“I should be sorry if the treaty were sacrificed,” said Churchill; “and am therefore obliged to your lordship and Colonel Mackintosh for the humane step you have taken. You have saved the garrison.”

“Had not General Foster been our leader, the garrison would never have been in this strait,” said Colonel Mackintosh. “We might have been overcome, but we would not have died without inflicting some loss on our assailants.”

“'Tis better as it is,” said Churchill. “I have to receive the paroles of honour of certain gentlemen that they will perform their promises, and then I will conduct you to General Wills.”

“We will ride on to the Fishergate outlet and await you there,” said Lord Derwentwater. “We care not to parade ourselves as prisoners.”

Colonel Churchill signified his assent, and the party separated.

IX--IN WHAT MANNER THE HOSTAGES WERE RECEIVED BY GENERAL WILLS.

|General Carpenter was not present when the Earl of Derwentwater and Colonel Mackintosh were brought as hostages to Wills, but Brigadier Munden, Colonels Pitt, Wynn, and Stanhope were with him at the time.

The severe commander received the hostages very haughtily, and knitted his dark brows as he regarded them.

Lord Derwentwater comported himself with great dignity, but Colonel Mackintosh could scarcely restrain his anger, especially when Wills asked:

“Why have we not a Scotch nobleman? I required Lord Nithsdale or Lord Kenmure.”

“They declined to come, general,” replied Churchill.

“Methinks, the chief of the Clan Chattan might suffice,” said Mackintosh. “Had I refused to surrender, not a Highlander would have laid down his arms.”

“And not one would have escaped,” rejoined Wills. “If you think you can stand against the king's troops go back to the town, and I will immediately attack you.”

“If I take you at your word, I presume you will give General Forster a safe-conduct!” rejoined Mackintosh.

Wills looked fiercely at him, but made no response.

“If Colonel Mackintosh returns, I shall return, general,” said Lord Derwentwater, “and then the truce will be at an end. Attack us when you please, we shall be prepared for you.”

“Is this your decision, my lord?” cried Mackintosh, joyfully. “I am glad of it.”

“Hold!” exclaimed Wills, who did not desire that matters should take this turn. “Since the arrangement is partly concluded, I will not disturb it. By to-morrow these feelings of irritation will have calmed down, and then you will see that I have granted all I could.”

“Nothing has been granted,” said Colonel Mackintosh. “We shall be worse off to-morrow than we are to-day. Come with me my lord. Let us die together at Preston.”

“You cannot depart,” said Wills, authoritatively. “Tomorrow you may have an opportunity of proving your bravery. To-night you must remain here. Let them be taken to their quarters, colonel,” he added to Churchill. “I am sorry I cannot offer you better accommodation.”

“Make no apologies, general,” said Lord Derwentwater, haughtily. “We know with whom we have to deal.”

They were then taken to a farm-house, where Parson Woods and his men were quartered, and where very inconvenient lodgings were found for them.

X.--BRIGADIER MACKINTOSH DISSUADES THE EARL OF WINTOUN FROM SALLYING FORTH.

|No sooner did it become known that a capitulation had been agreed on than Lord Wintoun went to Brigadier Mackintosh, who so far from having retired to rest, was greatly on the alert, and entreated him to allow a strong body of his Highlanders to line the hedges on the Lancaster avenue, while he made a determined attempt at escape.

“I shall be accompanied by Major Nairn, Captain Philip Lockhart, Captain Shaftoe, and a dozen others, and we will either effect an escape or sell our lives dearly.”

“It is too late,” replied the brigadier. “My Highlanders could render you little assistance. The Lancaster avenue is now guarded by six squadrons of dragoons in addition to the former guard, so that you will infallibly be cut to pieces. Besides, hostages have been given, and that alone ought to deter you from making the attempt.”

“Then we must remain tamely here?” said Lord Wintoun.

“There is no help for it, my lord,” replied the brigadier. “If I had had my own way, things should never have come to this pass. We ought to have cut our way out before the arrival of General Carpenter.”

“Have we any chance of escape now, think you?” asked Lord Wintoun.

“Very little, I fear,” replied the brigadier. “But we must be prepared to take advantage of any unforeseen circumstances to-morrow. It is not likely that any will occur--but it may be.”

XI.--THE TERMS OF THE TREATY ARE ACCEPTED.

|A DISMAL day dawned on Preston.

The inhabitants had heard of the capitulation, but did not feel sure it would be carried out--many of the more timid being apprehensive that the town would still be the scene of a most sanguinary conflict.

In the opinion of these persons the Highlanders would not submit, but would make a most desperate attempt to sally forth, which would end in their extermination.

The English insurgents had made up their minds to surrender, and seemed hardly able to realise the position in which they were placed, for most of them displayed unaccountable indifference.

Perhaps they persuaded themselves that clemency would be shown them. If so, they were mistaken. The town-hall was crowded with ladies who had passed the night there, and did not mean to quit the asylum till all was settled.

Once more, and for the last time, Captain Gordon ascended the church-tower at break of day, and looked around.

The besiegers had drawn so much nearer to the town, that they seemed now quite close at hand.

The militia had likewise quitted their position on the south bank of the Ribble, and stationed themselves near the upper end of the Wigan road.

In fact, the town was completely invested, and Captain

Gordon saw at a glance that it would be impossible to break through such a cordon.

In the Churchgate and Fishergate the barricades were undisturbed, but no preparations were made for the renewal of the fight.

Brigadier Mackintosh was no longer at his post, and most of the Highlanders had retired to the houses, anxious to snatch a few hours' rest, and certain they would be summoned when required.

No sound of bagpipes was heard.

The neglected batteries, deserted streets, and dejected air of such troopers as could be seen, offered a marked contrast to the formidable appearance of the besiegers. Captain Gordon felt that the contest was over, and desired to see no more.

Later on, all the English and Scottish leaders, with the exception of the two who had surrendered themselves as hostages, assembled at the Mitre, where it was finally agreed that the terms of the treaty should be accepted.

“My men are willing to submit,” said Mackintosh. “But they look upon themselves as sacrificed. Bitterly do I now reproach myself that I ever brought them to England against their will, and that I did not turn back at Lancaster. They might have helped the Earl of Mar to win a battle. Poor fellows! they will now be transported and sold as slaves. My heart bleeds for them.”

“We Scots have all cause to regret that we ever crossed the Border,” said Lord Kenmure. “But we have done our best for King James, and if we had been supported, we might have succeeded. We have had a High Tory general, yet not one of the party has joined us.”

“No one can have been more disappointed than myself,” said Forster. “If we had only reached Manchester----”

“Why did we not reach that town? tell us that,” cried Brigadier Mackintosh.

“I admit we ought not to have stayed so long in Preston,” said Forster. “But you all seemed unwilling to quit your quarters, and I apprehended no danger.”

“'Tis idle to regret the past,” said Lord Widdrington; “you have complained of the absence of the High Church Tories, my lord,” he added, to Lord Kenmure. “But you cannot say that the Roman Catholics have failed you.”

“No, they have proved our staunchest friends,” replied Lord Kenmure. “And a braver and a better commander cannot be found than Lord Derwentwater.”

“In that we all agree,” said Lord Nithsdale and the other Scottish nobles.

“The hour at which the armistice expires is close at hand,” said Forster, “and we must therefore prepare to conclude this painful business properly. We will remain here, but all the officers--English and Scotch--must forthwith assemble within the churchyard to deliver up their arms. Let immediate orders be given to that effect,” he added to Charles Radclyffe and Captain Dalziel, who at once departed on the errand.

XII.--THE INSURGENT OFFICERS DELIVER UP THEIR SWORDS.

|SHORTLY afterwards, in obedience to Forster's orders, all the officers of the insurgent force assembled in the churchyard, and though they endeavoured to assume a careless air, many of them looked very downcast. Among them were all those who had recently joined at Lancaster and Preston, and received the rank of captain--Mr. Townley, of Townley, Sir Francis Anderton, Ralph Standish, Gabriel Hesketh, John Tyldesley, John Dalton, and several others.

They had had but a short campaign, and might now have to pay for their devotion with their lives. However, they bore themselves bravely under the distressing circumstances. The annoyance of the ceremonial was heightened by its publicity.

A large concourse was collected in the churchyard, and among the spectators were a great number of the fair sex, who flocked thither to manifest their sympathy with their lovers. They expressed their grief in the liveliest manner. Dryope was there, and Captain Shaftoe had some difficulty in inducing her to stand back. But she remained at a short distance gazing at him through her tears. The appearance of these fair damsels, who formed the foremost rank of the spectators, gave a curious character to the scene.

Precisely at the appointed hour, Lord Forrester, preceded by a trumpet and a drum, and attended by a guard, entered the town, and rode to the churchyard.

Alighting at the gate, and followed by a couple of men, he marched up to the rebel officers.

Lord Forrester was a tall, fine-looking man, well suited to the office, which he performed with courtesy.

“Gentlemen,” he said, addressing them, “I have a very painful duty to discharge. I have to receive the arms of brave and honourable men, which ought to have been used for their king.”

To this Colonel Oxburgh, who stood next him, replied as he delivered up his sword:

“Our arms have been used, my lord, for our rightful sovereign and against a usurper.”

Lord Forrester made no remark but consigned the sword to the custody of one of his men, and passed on.

He had received more than twenty swords, when he came to Captain Shaftoe, and as there seemed to be some hesitation on Shaftoe's part, he said:

“Your sword, sir?”

“Take it,” cried Shaftoe.

And plucking the blade from the sheath, he broke it, and flung the pieces at Lord Forrester's feet.

On this there were shouts of applause from the female spectators.

“I suppose it was to win that applause that this foolish act was done, Captain Shaftoe,” observed Lord Forrester.

“You have broken the treaty, and have rendered yourself liable to the punishment of death.”

“As these words were uttered, Dryope and three or four of the fair spectators rushed forward, and threw themselves at Lord Forrester's feet, exclaiming:

“Spare him! spare him!”

“Rise, ladies!” said Lord Forrester. “I am not about to order Captain Shaftoe's immediate execution. I am sorry so great a favourite of your sex should refuse to submit--but no doubt you can bring him to reason. I leave him in your hands.”

With this, he passed on to Sir Francis Anderton and Mr. Townley, who were next, and received their swords.

“Ah! gentlemen,” he said, “I am sorry to find you here. Had you remained quiet for a few days you would have escaped this disaster. You should have followed the example of the cautious High Church Tories!”

“We have done what seems right to us, my lord,” said Mr. Townley, haughtily, “and are prepared for the consequences.”

The last sword received by Lord Forrester was that of Captain Wogan, who said to him:

“Your looks reproach me, my lord, but I do not reproach myself. If I had had fifty swords, they should all have been devoted to King James.”

With a military salute to the unfortunate officers, Lord Forrester then quitted the churchyard, followed by his men, bearing two large bundles of swords, and proceeded to the Mitre, there to go through a like ceremony with General Forster and the lords.

XIII.--HOW BRIGADIER MACKINTOSH PARTED WITH HIS CLAYMORE.

|By this time, Lord Derwentwater and Colonel Mackintosh had returned, but were merely spectators of the scene--their swords having been delivered up at the time of their surrender.

The Scottish nobles behaved with great dignity, and were treated with the utmost respect by Lord Forrester, who made no remark calculated to give them pain.

For the first time in his life, Brigadier Mackintosh's courage forsook him.

Kissing the hilt of his claymore, as he gave up the weapon, he said in broken accents:

“Farewell, old friend! I never thought to part with you, save with life!”

The ceremony was soon over, for Lord Forrester did not needlessly prolong it. Before departing, he said, addressing the assemblage:

“An hour hence, General Carpenter will enter the town to receive his prisoners. By that time the entire rebel force must be drawn up in the market-place to surrender arms. None must be absent, on any pretence whatever, and on pain of severe punishment. For the execution of this order, I look to you, General Forster, to you, my Lord Derwentwater, to you, my Lord Widdrington, to you my lords,” turning to the Scottish nobles, “to you, brigadier, and to you, Colonel Mackintosh.”

“My lord,” remonstrated the brigadier, “an hour is but a short time to bring together a number of unruly Highlanders---”

“It must suffice,” interrupted Lord Forrester. “You could get them ready for action in that time.”

“True, my lord,” replied the brigadier. “But a surrender is different. They will have to be driven to the place.”

“Colonel Mackintosh, I trust you see no difficulty?” said Lord Forrester, turning to the chief.

“None, my lord,” was the reply. “My clansmen will die with me, if I bid them.”

“In an hour, then,” said Forrester as he quitted the room.

Mounting his horse, and attended by the guard, bearing the arms, he galloped off to General Carpenter's quarters.

“What has been done?” asked Carpenter.

“The business is settled,” replied Lord Forrester. “An hour hence the entire rebel force will surrender in the market-place.”

XIV.--THE TWO GENERALS ENTER THE TOWN.

|Amid the sound of trumpets and drums, General Carpenter entered the conquered town at the head of two regiments of dragoons. He was accompanied by the Earl of Carlisle and Lord Lumley, and had with him Colonels Churchill and Molesworth, and a brilliant staff of officers.

As he rode slowly along Church Street, by which avenue he made his entrance, he looked with some curiosity at the blackened remains of the houses, and other evidences of the fight. For a few minutes he halted on the spot where the barricade had been reared, and explained what had been done to the noblemen with him, giving Brigadier Mackintosh full credit for his plan of defence.

“The barriers could not have been better placed,” he said; “and though the town must have succumbed to Wills, it might have held out for another day--perhaps till now.”

With these remarks, with which Churchill and Molesworth entirely concurred, he proceeded towards the market-place, noticing everything as he rode on.

Meanwhile, martial strains resounding at the north side of the town, announced the entrance of General Wills and four regiments of dragoons by the Lancaster avenue.

Wills was attended by Brigadiers Pitt and Dormer, and, like General Carpenter, had a staff of officers with him. He had not the curiosity to look around, and scarcely troubled himself to consider where the Windmill barricade had been situated.

In addition to the dragoons, just mentioned, three regiments of foot, commanded by Lord Forrester, Captain Sabine, and Captain Fain, entered by the Fishergate avenue and proceeded towards the market-place.

Notwithstanding this imposing military display, very few persons were to be seen in the streets, and but few shouts welcomed the victors.

In the market-place, a very striking, but very sad spectacle was to be seen, and this attracted all the townsfolk who could find access thither.

Here, as enjoined by the conquerors, all the insurgent troops were drawn up preparatory to a general surrender.

Yes! they were all there--with the exception of General Forster. Lord Derwent water's troop, commanded by Charles Radclyffe and Captain Shaftoe, and comprising all the handsome young gentlemen, of whom so much has been said--Lord Widdrington's troop, commanded by Captain Errington and Captain Gascoigne--the mosstroopers and Borderers, commanded by Captain Douglas and Hunter, and the troop commanded by the brave Wogan.

Here also were the five troops of South Country Scots, respectively commanded by Lord Kenmure, the Honourable James Hume, Lord Wintoun, Lord Carnwath, and Captain Lockhart.

Here, also, were the whole of the Highlanders, with Brigadier Mackintosh, and his kinsman, Colonel Mackintosh, at their head.

We have said that General Forster was absent. He excused himself on the plea that his life was in danger from the Highlanders.

On this very spot, only a few days ago, all these troops had been assembled to proclaim King James. At that time they were confident of success. They felt certain of receiving large reinforcements, and believed they should be able to reach London without interruption. And, perhaps, they might But the delay at Preston proved fatal. Caught in a snare, they had allowed their enemies to check them--to overtake them.

The most painful reflection that forced itself upon all the insurgent officers and gentlemen was that they were destroyed by their own folly. Oh! that they had not yielded to the allurements of the fair sex, but had marched on resolutely!

As the ladies gazed at their lovers from the windows overlooking the place, they thought them woefully changed. Their gay galliard air was quite gone. Some appeared indifferent, but it was easy to be seen that their levity was assumed.

As soon as the two victorious generals arrived in the market-place, and had satisfied themselves that the whole of the rebel force was assembled, all the men were ordered to pile their arms, and this done the officers and gentlemen volunteers belonging to the Northumbrian force were secured, and removed to commodious houses, where they were strictly guarded, but allowed to see their fair friends, who quickly paid them a visit.

The noblemen and superior officers were taken to the inns and various private houses; but the common soldiers and Highlanders were marched off to the church, which served as their prison during their stay in Preston.

Here they were allowed no better fare than bread and water, supplied to them at the expense of the town, and as they suffered frightfully from the cold, they tore the linings from the pews to afford themselves a scanty covering.

XV.--THE TOWN IS PLUNDERED BY THE SOLDIERY.

|HAVING seen the prisoners disposed of and given all necessary orders respecting them, the two generals, accompanied by the Earl of Carlisle, Lord Lumley, Sir Henry Hoghton, Brigadier Honeywood, Colonel Stanhope, and several others entered the town-hall, where a cold collation was laid out for them.

To this repast Parson Woods, who had been presented to General Carpenter, was invited, and received many compliments on his bravery.

The generals were still at table, when they were informed that a deputation of the inhabitants of the town was without, and prayed for an immediate audience.

Wills guessed their errand, and if left to himself, would have refused to see them. But General Carpenter caused half a dozen of the applicants to be admitted, and then found that their object was to prevent the town from being plundered by the soldiery.

“The pillage has already commenced,” said one of the persons who acted as spokesman, “and unless the men are restrained, all our goods will be carried off. As faithful subjects of his Majesty King George we ought to be protected. We could not prevent the occupation of the town by the rebels, and it will be a great hardship if we suffer for their misdeeds.”

“You must address yourselves to General Wills--not to me, gentlemen,” said Carpenter. “He has had the conduct of the siege.”

“I cannot listen to the appeal,” remarked Wills, sternly. “By the rules of war the men are entitled to the plunder of a captured town, and I shall not restrain them. You profess fidelity to the king, but you have afforded every assistance to the rebels, and if you have not actually taken part with them, you have furnished them with provisions and supplies.”

“We were forced to do so, general,” said the others. “And we earnestly beseech you to spare our property.”

Wills, however, refused to listen to them, and they departed.

Thus was the ill-fated town delivered over to pillage.

Fortunately no excesses were committed by the soldiers all license being forbidden on pain of death.

The plunderers commenced with the shops of the goldsmiths, silversmiths, and jewellers, where they expected to find the greatest quantity of valuables.

These shops were all shut up, but were quickly broken open, and stripped of their contents--plate, watches, rings, and chains being carried off.

From this booty alone the soldiers obtained several hundred pounds.

They next entered all the best private houses in Church Street and Fishergate, breaking open closets and chests, and abstracting all the plate and valuables they could find.

While one set of plunderers were thus engaged, others were similarly employed in different parts of the town.

Everywhere the houses were ransacked, and no portable article was left behind.

Not till a late hour in the day, when they had carried off all they could, did the soldiers desist from the work.

Great was the indignation of the inhabitants at this treatment, but they did not dare to resist.

However, there were no cases of intoxication, for the men were prevented by the sergeants and corporals from breaking open the cellars.

But it was a woeful day for Preston, and such as its inhabitants never thought to experience. Wills's severity caused him to be held in universal detestation.

General Carpenter did not remain long in the town. Finding it inconveniently crowded, he set out for Wigan, immediately after the surrender, with the regiments under his command.

None of his men therefore shared in the plunder--nor would he have allowed them to share in it.

XVI.--CAPTAIN SHAFTOE IS SHOT.

|Preston might well be full. Without counting the Government troops, fifteen hundred and fifty prisoners of all ranks were detained within the town.

Some few escapes took place, and amongst those who got off was Tom Syddall. Unfortunately, he was afterwards captured.

After a few days' detention, General Forster, Lord Derwentwater, Lord Widdrington, Brigadier Mackintosh, the Scottish lords and chiefs, with the leading Northumbrian officers, were sent under a strong guard to Wigan on the way to London.

Other less important prisoners were sent to Lancaster, Chester, and Liverpool, and confined in the jails of those towns.

Six insurgent officers were detained at Preston, and subsequently tried by court-martial for desertion and taking up arms against the king.

These were Lord Charles Murray, Captain Dalziel, Major Nairn, Captain Philip Lockhart, Ensign Erskine, and Captain Shaftoe. The lives of the two first were spared, but the others were condemned to be shot next day.

As Captain Shaftoe was a great favourite in Preston, his sentence caused profound grief, and application was made for a reprieve, but General Wills refused to grant it unless Shaftoe would acknowledge that he had been guilty of rebellion, and sue for mercy from King George.

Captain Shaftoe, however, absolutely refused, declaring he had simply done his duty, and would not renounce King James, even if a pardon were offered him.

Next morning, at an early hour, the rebel officers were taken by a party of foot soldiers to a field below the church. Among the spectators, were some young women, whose distressed condition touched the hearts of all who beheld them.

A few moments were spent by the rebel officers in preparation. After they had embraced, and bade each other farewell, Major Nairn came forward, and begged of the officer in command that his eyes might not be bandaged, and that he himself might give the order to the men to fire.

Neither request was accorded.

Not till he had laid Major Nairn in his coffin, with his own hands, would Captain Lockhart submit to his fate and when all was over, he was cared for as anxiously as his friend.

Only one was left.

As the spectators beheld the tall handsome figure standing erect before them an irrepressible murmur arose.

Looking around, Shaftoe at once discovered the young women, and as his eye settled upon one of them he called out:

“Do not forget.”

A white kerchief was waved in reply.

A proud smile lighted up his handsome countenance when his eyes were bound, and his last words, distinctly heard by all were:

“Long live King James the Third.”

Half a dozen bullets were instantly lodged in his breast. For a moment he stood erect, and then fell.

Thereupon a very beautiful young woman, whose features were as white as her attire, stepped quickly forward, followed by two others, and motioning back the soldiers, took up Shaftoe's body and placed it in his coffin.

This done, she who had first come forward, and who was no other than Dryope, knelt down, and fixing a look of unalterable affection upon her dead lover, kissed his brow.

Placing a few flowers beside him, she then arose and disappeared with her companions.

Thus died, and thus was mourned, one of the most gallant gentlemen of the rebel army.

END OF BOOK THE NINTH.

_BOOK THE TENTH_--THE DUNGEON.

I--THE CHIEF INSURGENT PRISONERS ARE TAKEN TO LONDON.

|Sorrowful was the ride of the Earl of Derwentwater from Preston to Wigan; and his favourite dapple-grey steed that had borne him throughout the campaign, seemed to share his despondency.

Moreover, the weather was gloomy, and in accordance with the earl's sombre thoughts.

And, truly, there was enough to make him sad. All was lost. All his great estates would be confiscated, and the journey he had just commenced would inevitably end in the scaffold.

To add poignancy to his affliction, he could not help reflecting how different the result might have been, but for Forster's deplorable ignorance and obstinacy, and though he acquitted the general of absolute treachery, he could not help feeling that the insurgent army was entirely sacrificed by him.

These thoughts forced themselves upon the earl as he crossed the Ribble Bridge, and did not leave him till he reached Wigan.

Here Lord Derwentwater learnt that Forster had been allowed a carriage, and a seat was offered to him in the same conveyance, but he declined it--preferring to ride.

None of the Scottish lords would travel with Forster, but he found companions in his chaplain, Mr. Patten, Lord Widdrington, and Colonel Oxburgh.

The Earl of Derwentwater performed the whole journey on horseback.

From Wigan the rebel prisoners were conducted to Warrington, where a division took place, and upwards of a hundred were sent on to London, guarded by several detachments of horse. Amongst these prisoners were Sir Francis Anderton, Mr. Townley, Mr. Standish, Mr. Tyldesley, and other Lancashire gentlemen who had joined at Preston.

After a short halt at Warrington, they proceeded by slow stages to Coventry, and Lord Derwentwater in some degree recovered his spirits, being cheered by the society of Sir Francis Anderton and Mr. Townley.

At Coventry, the escort was relieved by another detachment of a hundred troopers commanded by Brigadier Ponton, by whom General Forster was deprived of his carriage.

As an excuse for the indignity thus offered to the late general, it was said that on his arrival at London an attempt would be made to rescue him by a High Church Tory mob.

But Forster fell ill and could not sit his horse, and the carriage became indispensable.

At Highgate, Major General Tatton was waiting with two battalions of foot-guards to take charge of the prisoners who were consigned to him, and without consideration to rank, pinioned.

Each prisoner's horse had a halter placed round his neck, and was led by a grenadier.

In this ignominious manner the prisoners were conducted in four separate divisions to the Tower, Newgate, the Fleet, and the Marshalsea. Lord Derwentwater, Lord Widdrington, and the Scottish nobles were taken to the state prison, while Forster, to his great mortification, was lodged with the others in Newgate.

Drums were beaten loudly as the unfortunate captives were taken through the streets, exposed to the insults and derision of the populace, and in some cases seriously injured by the numerous missiles hurled at them.

Incessant cries resounded on all sides of “No Popish Pretender!”

“Down with the rebels!”

“Long live King George!” But not a single voice shouted “Long live King James!”

The composure and dignity of the Earl of Derwentwater, combined with his remarkable good looks, could not fail to produce a favourable impression upon the spectators; but quite a sensation was caused by Brigadier Mackintosh, whose gigantic figure and stern looks completely bore out all the descriptions that had been given of him.

The old warrior had been allowed to walk, so that his muscular frame could be fully seen, and though his arms were pinioned, his aspect was so terrible that none dared insult him.

II.--THE EARL OF DERWENTWATER IS IMPRISONED IN THE DEVEREUX TOWER.

|The rebel lords were confined in different prison lodgings in the Tower, but were not treated with any sort of rigour, being allowed by the Lieutenant to visit each other when accompanied by a guard.

The Earl of Derwentwater had a large chamber on the upper story of the Devereux Tower, with a cell connected with it, wherein he slept, and he passed his time wholly in reading and devotional exercises.

Thus his mind, greatly troubled at first, became gradually tranquillised.

The earl had been imprisoned for nearly a fortnight when the countess, to whom he had written, praying her to come to him, arrived in London.

She was accompanied by Dorothy Forster, who hoped to be useful to her brother, and was likewise attended by Father Norham and Newbiggin.

Without difficulty Lady Derwentwater obtained an order to visit her consort in the Tower, and was furthermore permitted to bring Father Norham with her.

It was a very sad meeting, but the frame of mind attained by the earl enabled him to support it, and to offer the count his consolation.

Though scarcely indulging a hope, Lord Derwentwater was not unwilling that every effort should be made to obtain a pardon for him, for he could not deny, when gazing at the countess, that life was dear to him.

Father Norham, however, who feared the worst, urged him to wean his heart as much as possible from earth, and fix it upon heaven.

This the earl earnestly strove to do, and he was greatly assisted by the good priest. His life had always been devout, and now he felt the inexpressible comfort derived from religious observances.

Meanwhile, the countess was using all her efforts to procure her husband a pardon, but she was deterred from applying in the highest quarter, being informed that the king was greatly incensed against the rebel lords, and would not listen to her.

Immediately after the meeting of Parliament, General Forster was expelled from the House of Commons, and the English and Scottish noblemen concerned in the rebellion were impeached of high treason.

All pleaded guilty, except the Earl of Wintoun, who petitioned for a delay. They were next conveyed by water from the Tower to Westminister Hall, and being brought into the court, presided over by Lord Chancellor Cowper, as Lord High Steward, received sentence of death.

On this occasion the noble prisoners conducted themselves with great firmness and dignity. Nor did the crowd insult them as they were taken back to the barge.

Many spectators indeed regarded them with sympathy, but did not dare to make any demonstration in their favour.

The countess of Derwentwater no longer hesitated. Accompanied by the Duchesses of Cleveland and Bolton, and several other ladies of the highest rank, she was introduced by the Dukes of Richmond and St. Albans into the king's bedchamber, and flinging herself at his majesty's feet, addressed him in French, imploring his clemency for her husband.

The king raised her immediately, and said in an inflexible voice:

“What has the Earl of Derwentwater done to merit clemency on my part? He has been guilty of a most heinous treason. He has set up a Popish Pretender. He has raised my subjects in rebellion--has made war against me--and now that he is vanquished, he sues humbly for mercy. I cannot--will not pardon him. I look upon him as the guiltiest of the rebel lords.”

“Oh! say not so, my liege!” supplicated the countess. “His nature is loyal and generous.”

“He has not proved loyal to me,” cried the king. “He is a traitor--a vile traitor--and I will not pardon him. No more madam! you plead in vain. I pity you--but I cannot help you. The Earl of Derwentwater must die.”

As she still continued to clasp his hand, and bathe it with her tears, the king signed to the Duke of Richmond, who raised her and took her away.

This was not the only effort made by the unhappy countess.

She subsequently went to the lobby of the House ot Peers, accompanied by the Countess of Nithsdale, Lady Nairn, and many other ladies of distinction, but their petition was refused.

The Countess of Derwentwater was filled with despair when she had to communicate this sad news to the earl, but he bore it firmly.

“I am sorry you knelt to the usurper,” he said. “I am the guiltiest of all the insurgent lords in his eyes, because I am most attached to King James, and because King James is most attached to me. You have promised too much for me, sweetheart. I have never sworn allegiance to the Hanoverian usurper, and never will. I might engage not to conspire against him, but I refuse to serve him.”

“What is to be done?” cried the countess, despairingly.

“Nothing,” replied the earl. “I forbid you to make any further appeal to the tyrant. My death is resolved on.”

“I cannot think otherwise, daughter,” observed Father Norham, who was present.

“Perhaps your escape may be accomplished?” cried the countess eagerly.

“That is wholly different,” said the earl. “If you can aid in my deliverance, I shall rejoice. But I fear the attempt will not be successful.”

“Wherefore not?” said the countess.

“Because I believe that my destiny is otherwise,” rejoined the earl.

“Yield not to such fancies, my son,” said Father Norham. “Nor let any scruple hinder you from freeing yourself, if you can, from the tyrant's power. Break his bonds I counsel you, and escape from captivity and death. You may still be able to serve King James, and the great services you have rendered him, and the sacrifices you have made for him, may be rewarded.”

“Whatever is done, must be done quickly,” said the earl. “The time approaches when escape will no longer be possible--unless,” he added, with a strange smile, “I could walk, like Saint Denis, with my head off.”

Though the earl never quitted the Devereux Tower except for the scaffold, two remarkable escape occurred from adjoining fortifications, to which we shall refer.

III.--THE EARL OF NITHSDALE'S ESCAPE.

|Having vainly solicited a pardon for her husband, the Countess of Nithsdale, a woman of great courage, as well as of great personal attractions, resolved to make an attempt to liberate him.

Before putting her project in execution she found a place of refuge, where the earl might remain safely concealed till he could embark for France.

This done, on the last day it was thought he had to live, she drove to the Tower gate in a hackney-coach, and dismissed the vehicle.

She was accompanied by two female attendants, and seemed so utterly prostrated by grief, that she needed their assistance.

Her attendants wore hoods and cloaks, but not in such a manner as to appear like a disguise.

The earl was confined in a distant fortification situated in the north-west angle of the inner ward, and it seemed certain that the countess would never have got there without support.

A sentinel was stationed at the entrance of the prison lodging, but as the party were preceded by a jailer they passed without question.

When the massive door of his prison chamber was unlocked, Lord Nithsdale came forth from a small inner room, or cell, and perceiving his wife uttered a cry, and clasped her to his breast.

Shortly afterwards, the jailer who was stationed outside, was summoned by one of the female attendants. She told him her services were no longer required, and after a very slight scrutiny he suffered her to depart.

But this active confidante had stayed long enough to divest herself of an additional dress with which she was provided.

This dress was meant as a disguise for the earl, while it was intended that her fellow-servant should personate the afflicted countess.

The exchanges of attire were quickly made.

The earl, whose slight figure and small stature suited the part he had to play, was transformed into a lady's maid; and the representative of the countess was duly prepared for the part she had to enact.

All was now ready, but it was deemed prudent to wait nearly an hour, and it will be guessed what anxiety was felt in the interval.

At length, the jailer was called.

On unlocking the door, he beheld the earl as he thought, in an attitude of despair, leaning on the table, with his face covered by his hands.

The unhappy countess was overwhelmed by grief, and had to be led forth by her attendant, who was muffled up in her hood to hide her own tears.

The jailer's stony heart was touched by so much grief. He let them out without a word, fastened the door, and following them down the circular stone steps, offered in a kindly tone to conduct them to the gate.

The countess murmured her thanks, and the man marched on before them, and saved them from any interference, receiving a piece of gold for his pains, when he left them at the Bulwark Gate.

“Tell your lady,” he said to the attendant, who gave him the gratuity, “that I will do all I can for his lordship to-morrow.”

He would have called a coach, but they took a boat and crossed to the other side of the river.

The first person to enter the prison-chamber after the earl's flight was the Lieutenant of the Tower.

He was filled with consternation on perceiving that its sole occupant was a very handsome woman.

“The Countess of Nithsdale here!” he exclaimed. “The earl then has escaped?”

“Solely by my connivance,” she replied. “No one here has been concerned in the flight.”

“That remains to be ascertained,” rejoined the Lieutenant. “But your ladyship's life will be responsible for that of your husband.”

“My husband is safe, and that is enough for me!” cried the countess, joyfully.

“But he may be recaptured,” said the Lieutenant.

“I have no uneasiness on that score,” she rejoined. “My precautions have been too well taken.”

“Well, I must detain your ladyship,” said the Lieutenant. “And I know not what course may be pursued; but I will frankly own that I hope you may be able to rejoin your lord.”

This good wish was eventually fulfilled.

IV.--THE EARL OF WINTOUN'S ESCAPE.

|ANOTHER important escape must be recounted.

In this case the noble fugitive was indebted entirely to his own exertions for deliverance.

The youth of the Earl of Wintoun was passed in a manner that might have given him extraordinary notoriety in our own time; but though he ran away to France, and disappeared for some years, his claim to the title was never disputed.

Incredible as it may seem, during this period of his career, he hired himself to a blacksmith, and served as a mere bellows-blower for some years.

At the same time he acquired considerable mechanical skill, which was subsequently improved, when he abandoned the hammer and the forge, and his talent now stood him in good stead.

He was imprisoned in the upper part of the Hall Tower, formerly, as its name imported, connected with the old palace, and the windows of his rooms looked into the inner and outer wards.

These windows were strongly grated, but Lord Wintoun derided this obstacle to escape.

Carefully concealed about his person, he had a couple of small files, and setting to work with these implements, he so nearly cut through the bars, that he could immediately remove them when needful.

The main difficulty was now overcome, but the windows were at a considerable height from the ground; and, moreover, there were sentinels both at the back and front, who must be eluded before an escape could be effected.

The Earl of Wintoun, however, was confident in his own ability to manage the matter, and did not doubt he should find an opportunity of getting off.

The opportunity occurred.

During the day a fog had prevailed in the City, and of course extended to the Tower. Indeed, it was thicker there than elsewhere.

Towards night the vapour increased in density. Not only was the White Tower completely hidden, but all the surrounding buildings were obscured. The sentinels could scarcely be distinguished on their posts. Links were lighted, but only served to make the darkness more palpable.

When the fog first came on, the Earl of Wintoun resolved to take advantage of the chance thus offered him, but he waited patiently till night.

No extra precaution seemed to be taken by the jailers, except that the entrance to the Hall Tower from the inner ward was fastened, but this mattered little, since the fugitive proposed to descend from the window looking towards the outer ward.

No sooner had the jailer paid his last visit for the night than the earl removed the bars from the window, tied a couple of sheets together and fastened them, and then listened intently for the sound of the sentinel's footsteps, who was pacing to and fro beneath.

So dark was it that Lord Wintoun could not see the man, but he could hear him, and when he judged by the sound that the sentinel was at the greatest distance, he let himself down as quickly and noiselessly as he could.

A sound reached the man's ear, for he suddenly halted and called out:

“Who goes there?”

But receiving no answer, and hearing no further noise, he did not think it needful to give the alarm.

Meanwhile, the Earl of Wintoun, who had remained perfectly quiet at this critical juncture, now stole to the further side of the ward, and crept along the edge of the wall till he got within a short distance of the Gate Tower.

Here fortune favoured him.

At the very moment of his arrival, a warder who had just come from the guard-room was opening the wicket to let out some half-dozen persons.

Without hesitation, the earl mixed with the party, and though a link was brought, he escaped without attracting the warder's attention.

But another portal had still to be passed at the opposite side of the bridge, and as Lord Wintoun was marching towards it with his companions, he felt his arm grasped, while a voice whispered in his ear:

“You are one of the rebel lords. Your life is worth a thousand pounds. I must have that sum, or I will prevent your escape.”

“You shall have the money,” replied the earl, in the same tone.

“Enough,” said the man. “I know you will fulfil your promise. Take that letter. It will tell you who I am.”

But for this timely aid the earl might have been stopped by the guard at the Middle Tower.

However, he soon got clear of the fortress, and passing through the Bulwark Gate, plunged into the fog that enveloped Tower Hill.

V.--GENERAL FORSTER'S ESCAPE FROM NEWGATE.

|A very jovial time the prisoners in Newgate had of it.

Supplied with plenty of money by their friends, they could obtain whatever they wanted; and better wine and better punch were drunk in Newgate than at any tavern in town.

The prison, indeed, resembled nothing so much as a large inn, where the numerous guests were feasting and carousing from morning till night.

The majority of the prisoners persuaded themselves that in consequence of their surrender they should be very leniently treated, but come what might, they resolved to make the most of the present moment.

Ordinarily a sort of barrack, called the King's Bench Ward, was occupied by debtors, but in consequence of the excessively, crowded state of the jail, this large chamber, which was partitioned off for beds, served as a dormitory for a portion of the rebels, while they dined, supped, drank punch, smoked pipes, played cards, dice, and draughts, in the Debtors' Hall.

Driven from their quarters, the luckless debtors took refuge on the felons' side or in the cellar.

Private bed-chambers, and small private apartments, for which enormous fees were demanded by the governor, Mr. Pitts, were provided for some of the insurgent leaders.

The best bedroom in the prison, which had formerly been occupied by Lord Russell and Count Koningsmark, and more recently by Count Guiscard, was let to General Forster. Charles Radclyffe and Colonel Oxburgh were each furnished with a good room, but Brigadier Mackintosh did not care how he was accommodated.

The chief officers had their own mess-table, at which they were very well served, and friends constantly dined with them. The prison, indeed, was as full of visitors as inmates, and the prisoners were just as cheerful as their guests.

A great deal of sympathy was felt for the unfortunate

Jacobite gentlemen by the fair sex, who flocked to Newgate to express it.

The prisoners were highly gratified by their attention, and exceedingly delighted to see them, and the lodge was so beset by sedan-chairs and coaches, and so thronged by ladies in fine dresses and loo-masks that it looked more like the entrance to a masquerade than the approach to a gloomy dungeon.

Notwithstanding his reverses, and though he was severely censured by his own party, General Forster maintained his cheerfulness.

On Dorothy's arrival in town he was constantly visited by her, and it is probable she suggested a plan of escape to him.

It is certain she brought him a large sum of money. How it was employed can only be conjectured, though we do not think we shall be far wrong in asserting that a considerable portion of it found its way into the pockets of Mr. Pitts.

By whatever means he procured them, and, as we have intimated, suspicion attached to the governor, Forster obtained false keys, and they were successfully employed by him immediately after a bill of high treason had been found against him.

The comedy, it must be owned, was well played. On the night of his evasion, Forster invited Sir Francis Anderton, who was likewise a prisoner in Newgate, to sup with him, and they sat together carousing to a late hour.

They were still enjoying themselves when the governor came in to remind them that it was not far from midnight. Forster begged him to sit down, as he wished him to taste some very fine old brandy, and stepped into the adjoining chamber to fetch the bottle.

Apparently, he could not find what he sought, for he did not immediately return, and the governor, feigning to become alarmed, went to look after him.

The prisoner was gone, and had evidently made his exit by the door communicating with the passage, which ought to have been locked outside.

Indeed it was locked, as was the door of the other room, for when the governor hurried thither, and tried to get out, he found himself a prisoner.

The consternation into which Mr. Pitts was thrown by this discovery, if not real, was extremely well simulated, and imposed upon Sir Francis Anderton, who, however, laughed very heartily.

The governor knocked against the door, and shouted loudly for assistance, but some minutes elapsed before the turnkey came, and then it was found that a double-lock had been placed outside.

Search was made for the fugitive, but no traces whatever could be found of him.

Every door through which he had to pass had been unlocked and re-fastened, and if their statements were to be credited, not one of the turnkeys had seen him pass out of the prison.

How he got through the lodge--how he passed the usually vigilant porter at the gate--has never been satisfactorily explained!

But it is certain he proceeded to Blackfriars, where he found Dorothy waiting for him.

She had hired a boat for Gravesend, whence her brother embarked before dawn for France. Dorothy, however, did not accompany him in his flight.

A reward of one thousand pounds was immediately offered for Forster's apprehension, but he was safe on the other side of the Channel.

Mr. Pitts was tried for his life at the Old Bailey for conniving at Forster's escape, but was acquitted.