Chapter II: A Warrant Issued for the Earl's Arrest (5)

Aware that the cavalry could not act within the town, Wills gave orders that two regiments of dragoons should dismount, when the attack was made, in order to support the foot. His first business, however, was to dispose his men so as to prevent the rebels from sallying forth, and cut off their retreat in case they should make the attempt.

This done, he ordered two attacks to be made simultaneously upon the town; one by Brigadier Honeywood from the Wigan Road on the south--the other by Brigadiers Dormer and Munden from the Lancaster Road on the north.

His directions were thus conveyed to Honeywood:

“You will have with you Preston's regiment of foot to be commanded by Lord Forrester, likewise two hundred and fifty dismounted dragoons, commanded by five captains. These are to support Preston's foot. You will sustain the whole with your regiment.”

“Your orders shall be obeyed, general,” replied Honeywood.

Wills then gave similar directions to Brigadiers Dormer and Munden, telling them they would have under their joint command three hundred dismounted dragoons for the attack on the Lancaster Avenue, which would be sustained by two mounted regiments.

Then, addressing the brigadiers, he added:

“Obtain possession of the ends of the town as speedily as may be, and set fire to the houses, in order to dislodge the rebels, who no doubt occupy them. Next make lodgments for your own men, so as to prevent the sallying forth of the rebels upon them, and check the escape of the enemy.”

“It shall be done, general,” said Brigadier Dormer.

“Before commencing hostilities, however, I shall send a summons of surrender to General Forster,” said Wills. “But I do not think he will comply with it.”

Scarcely were the words spoken, than several shots were fired from a farm-yard near the town, by which an orderly near the general was killed, and another officer wounded.

“Soh!” cried Wills, fiercely. “There will now be no summons to surrender. Let the attack commence forthwith.”

Brigadiers Dormer and Munden with the regiments under their command, then rode off to the north side of the town to attack the Lancaster Avenue; while Lord Forrester led Preston's foot towards the upper end of the Wigan Avenue, followed by the dismounted dragoons, and sustained by Brigadier Honeywood's regiment.

Shortly afterwards, sharp firing announced that the attack had commenced on both sides of the town.

END OF BOOK THE SEVENTH.

_BOOK THE EIGHTH_--THE DEFENCE

I.--THE BARRICADES.

|RUDELY awakened from his slumbers at a far earlier hour than he usually allowed himself to be disturbed, by the intelligence that Wills was marching to attack him with his whole force, and scarcely able, even then, to credit the unwelcome news, and with an aching head, General Forster attired himself in haste, and, ordering a small troop of horse to attend him, rode forth to reconnoitre.

On reaching the Ribble Bridge, he found a party of Highlanders placed there, and was informed by Colonel Farquharson, who commanded them, that the king's army was certainly approaching.

Still doubting, the general rode on for a few miles further, when he descried the vanguard of the enemy, and quickly turned back.

In the interval the Highlanders had left the bridge, their place being taken by three hundred of Lord Derwentwater's men, under the command of Captain Shaftoe. Angry that this change should have been made without his sanction, Forster ordered Shaftoe to abandon the bridge and return to the town.

The order was very reluctantly obeyed. Captain Shaftoe would fain have proceeded to Penwortham to dislodge Parson Woods, but was not allowed.

Immediately on his return to the town, General Forster summoned a council of war, which was attended by all the English and Scottish leaders. They were quite alive to the danger of their position, and evidently had very little reliance either on the judgment or skill of their commander.

Under these circumstances the advice of Brigadier Mackintosh was urgently requested by Lord Derwent-water and others.

“You have greater military experience than any of us, brigadier,” said the earl. “What plan do you suggest?”

“Will you follow out my plan, if I offer it?” said the brigadier.

“We will,” replied the earl. “If we waste time in discussion, the enemy will be upon us.”

“Aweel, then,” said Mackintosh. “It will be useless to defend the bridge, since the river is fordable in many places, nor do I think it would be safe to risk a battle outside the town, because the Highlanders have not yet learned to face cavalry. Nothing frightens them so much as a charge of horse. For this reason I would have the battle take place within the town, where the cavalry, of which the enemy's force chiefly consists, will be least serviceable, and where the Highlanders will fight well. Barricades and intrenchments can be thrown up in different parts of the streets, so as to impede the advance of the enemy, and a destructive fire can be poured upon them from the roofs and windows of the houses.”

All approved of the plan, except Forster, and he was overruled.

“How many barricades shall we require?--and where do you propose to erect them?” said Lord Widdring-ton.

“Four will suffice,” replied the brigadier. “In fact, we haven't time to form more The first shall be placed a little below the church, and as it is likely to be the chief object of attack, I will take the command of it myself.”

“Why not make it at the extreme end of the street, so as to prevent the entrance of the enemy?” said Forster.

“There are so many lanes and avenues thereabouts that I should require more men than I possess to defend the post,” replied the brigadier. “The second barrier will be best placed, in my opinion, at the back of the house now occupied by Lord Derwentwater, and I would have it commanded by Lord Charles Murray.”

“I accept the post,” replied the gallant young nobleman.

“The third barrier should be in the Fishergate,” pursued the brigadier; “and it would be well served by Lord Strathmore's men, under the command of Captain Douglas.”

“I am glad you have named me to a post of danger, brigadier,” said Captain Douglas. “I'll do my best to maintain it.”

“The last battery must be near the windmill in the Lancaster avenue.” said the brigadier; “and I will confide it to my kinsman, Colonel Mackintosh, and his men.”

“I'll take it,” replied the colonel; “and keep it--as long as I can.”

“And now let us set to work at once,” said the brigadier. “We haven't a minute to lose.”

Thereupon they all went forth, and each person, to whom the construction and command of a barricade had been committed, called his men together, and proceeded to the appointed spot.

Such extraordinary exertions were made, and so many hands employed, that in an incredibly short space of time intrenchments were thrown up, and strong barriers formed.

The Earl of Derwentwater and Charles Radclyffe, assisted in person in the formation of the Churchgate barrier. Stripping off their coats they worked like pioneers, and were greatly encouraged by the presence of the countess and Dorothy Forster.

As soon as the Churchgate barrier was completed, two of the ship guns brought from Lancaster were placed upon it and entrusted to the management of Tom Syddall and some of his men.

While these defensive preparations were going on, all the houses in Church-street and the Fishergate were filled with Highlanders and dismounted troopers, ready to fire upon the enemy from window, roof, and cellar.

In these two streets were the best houses of the town, and here Brigadier Mackintosh anticipated that the chief attack would be made.

The church, as already mentioned, was surrounded by an extensive churchyard, and here--as the most available place for the purpose--a strong force was collected.

On the north side of the edifice were posted the Low-landers and Northumbrian gentlemen--the latter being now dismounted--under the command of Colonel Ox-burgh and Colonel Brereton, who had lately joined as a volunteer.

On the south side were planted the Borderers, likewise dismounted, under the command of Captains Douglas and Hunter.

In a small street adjoining Sir Henry Hoghton's house, a small barrier had been formed by Captain Wogan and his regiment.

All the reserves were posted in the market-place, and here were kept the horses of the dismounted troopers.

While the barriers were being formed, General Forster, attended by a small party of men, rode from point to point to give directions, which were not always obeyed.

Having finished his survey he entered the town-hall, where a great number of ladies had taken refuge--among whom was Mrs. Scarisbrick--and assured them they had nothing to fear.

“The enemy will never be able to penetrate the centre of the town,” he said. “All the fighting will take place at the barricades. We shall soon force them to retreat.”

“I am glad to find you are so confident,” said Mrs. Scarisbrick. “For my own part I confess I feel very uneasy--though I don't doubt the bravery of our troops.”

“My preparations are so well made that we are quite unassailable,” said Forster. “The barriers will never be passed. Lady Derwentwater and my sister entertain so little apprehension of the result of the attack that they do not mean to quit Sir Henry Hoghton's house, but will station themselves on the roof to witness the attack on the battery.”

“I begin to think I should like to see the commencement of the attack,” remarked Mrs. Scarisbrick. “It must be a very curious sight. And since you say there is no danger----”

“I don't say so,” interrupted Forster. “On the contrary, there is very great danger. Stay where you are. You are quite safe here.”

“No, I _will_ go,” she cried. “My curiosity is aroused. You shall take me to Sir Henry Hoghton's house.”

“Don't ask me!” he cried. “I won't do it.”

The lady, however, being determined, he was obliged to comply.

Ordering a trooper to follow him with his horse, he conducted her to Church-street, which was now full of soldiers, and left her at the entrance to Sir Henry Hoghton's house. She would not allow him to go further, saying, she could easily find her way to the roof.

II.--WHAT THE COUNTESS AND DOROTHY BEHELD FROM THE SUMMIT OF THE MANSION.

|No position in the town, except, perhaps, the tower of the church, commanded so good a view of the proceedings as was obtained from the summit of this lofty mansion.

Part of the roof was flat, and protected by a balustrade, and it was here that the countess and Dorothy Forster were stationed.

They had come there, after witnessing the completion of the barricade at which the earl had assisted, and contemplated the scene with extraordinary interest.

From this spot they could clearly distinguish the movements of the enemy. They saw General Wills issue from the Wigan lane with his infantry and cavalry, and draw up in the fields to survey the town, and they could not help contrasting the appearance of the king's soldiers with that of their own undisciplined troops.

After a time, they saw two brigades of horse and dragoons move off towards the other side of the town, and though these troops soon disappeared, the object of the movement was clear.

An attack was about to be made on the Lancaster avenue. Nor could it be doubted that a simultaneous attack would be made on the south by the forces left behind.

This conviction sent a thrill of terror through the breasts of the two lookers-on. But they were reassured when they perceived that both streets were now very strongly guarded--that the trenches were completed and cannon mounted on the barricades--that not only were troops thickly planted at the barriers, but the roofs and windows of all the houses were occupied by Highlanders and other soldiers--that the churchyard, which was almost opposite them, was full of troops--showing that if the enemy was ready to make the attack, their friends were prepared for a gallant defence.

Nor was this all. Looking towards the Broadway at the back of the garden, they could descry the barricade commanded by Lord Charles Murray, and saw that it was guarded by a large party of Highlanders, while the advanced guard of Northumbrian gentlemen, commanded by Captain Wogan, could likewise be seen posted at the end of a narrow street at the left.

In a word, all the approaches, so far as discernible, seemed well protected. The access to the market-place from Church-street was blocked up by cavalry.

Nor could they entertain any doubt that the preparations on the other side of the town were equally efficient. They felt sure that the Lancaster avenue would be well guarded by Colonel Mackintosh and the Clan Chattan. The spectacle thus presented to their gaze dispelled any misgivings, and filled them with ardour.

At this juncture Lord Derwentwater appeared on the roof, attended by Father Norham and Newbiggin.

“You must quit this place immediately,” he said. “The attack is about to commence. Father Norham and Newbiggin will take you to the town-hall, where you will be safe.”

“We shall see nothing at the town-hall,” said the countess. “I don't think we are in the least danger here.”

“You cannot remain,” said the earl. “The lower part of the house is occupied by Captain Innes with a party of Highlanders, and when the attack commences, some of them will come to the roof.”

“Let us stay till then,” entreated Dorothy. “We must see the commencement of the attack.”

“I will not stir from the post at present,” said the countess.

“I shall never forgive myself if any disaster occurs,” said the earl. “I ought not to have consented to your remaining here so long. Why did you not yield to my entreaties? Had you set out yesterday, you would now be far on the road to Dilston.”

“You must blame me more than the countess, my lord,” said Dorothy. “I besought her to stay, and she yielded to my request.”

“Commit no further errors,” said Father Norham. “Quit this dangerous position immediately, and repair to the town-hall as suggested by his lordship.”

“Must we really go?” said the countess, with an appealing look to the earl. “Do let us stay for a few minutes longer!”

“Well, I consent,” he replied. “But only on the condition that you depart when Father Norham deems it prudent to do so. I commit them to your care, father.”

“Be sure I will watch over them, my son,” replied the priest.

“Newbiggin, I need not give any commands to you,” said the earl. “You will attend to your lady and Miss Forster.”

“With my life,” replied the butler.

Scarcely had the earl taken his departure than Mrs. Scarisbrick made her appearance on the roof, and took up her station by the other ladies.

“I am just in time,” she said, after greetings had passed between. “General Forster says there is no danger here.”

“I hope not,” replied Dorothy. “But we shall not remain here long.”

Meantime, the Earl of Derwentwater had proceeded to the adjacent barrier, and taken up a position with Brigadier Mackintosh, who had likewise been joined by Lord Kenmure and the Earls of Wintoun and Nithsdale.

III.--THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE ASSAULT.

|A STRANGE and portentous quietude now prevailed, like the awful hush preceding a storm. All the insurgent troops were in position, and in momentary expectation of the attack.

The barricades were manned, the houses occupied with soldiers as we have mentioned, and the churchyard filled with troops. But not a sound proceeded from this vast collection of men.

Never before had Preston beheld such a sight. Except in the market place, all business was suspended throughout the town, but here the houses were open, and the Mitre and the Bull were thronged.

Terrified to death at the thought of the approaching conflict, almost all the residents in Church-street and Fishergate had quitted their houses, and repaired to the centre of the town. It was the same thing in Friargate, and in many houses in the Lancaster avenue.

Thus in fear and trembling did the inhabitants of Preston await the commencement of the assault.

At length, a murmur arose from those stationed on the roofs of houses, and everywhere were heard the words, “They come.”

Then the countess and Dorothy, with hundreds of others who were gazing eagerly towards the Wigan avenue, beheld a body of red-coated foot soldiers issue from the lane, and march towards the street.

These were Preston's foot. Captain Preston was with them himself, but on this occasion the regiment was commanded by Lord Forrester, who rode at their head.

The men looked very well, and presented a very gallant appearance. They were supported by two hundred and fifty dragoons, selected from five different regiments, each party being commanded by a captain, and the whole being commanded by Major Bland and Major Lawson.

Then came two regiments of dragoons under the command of Brigadier Honeywood.

Casting a rapid glance along the street, Lord Forrester instantly saw how matters stood, but ordered his men to attack the barricade, which presented a very formidable appearance with the cannon mounted upon it, and the troops collected behind it.

But the assailants had not advanced far, when such a terrible fire was poured upon them from the barricade, and from the roofs and windows of the houses, that they halted.

By this deadly discharge nearly fifty men were killed, or severely wounded. Loud shouts arose from the defenders of the barricade, and stifled the groans of the wounded.

The fire of the defenders were instantly returned by the assailants, but with comparatively little effect.

Urged on by Lord Forrester and Captain Preston the assailants marched on, but was checked by a second discharge quite as terrible as the first, while the cannon being well directed by Tom Syddall and his men, did great execution.

Thus much did the countess and Dorothy see, but they beheld no more. The spectacle of that street, filled with dying and dead, was too much for them, and they covered their eyes to shut out the dreadful sight.

“Shall I take you hence?” said Father Norham.

“Yes--yes!” cried the countess.

Casting one look at the barricade, and seeing that the earl was safe, she instantly quitted the roof with the priest and Newbiggin. The other ladies followed. The party did not venture into the street, but made their way through the garden at the back of the house. As they were speeding along, another discharge of musketry took place, accompanied by the roar of the cannon.

At the same time distant firing was heard on the north side of the town, showing that the attack had likewise begun in this quarter. A sergeant, despatched by Captain Innes, made way for them through the crowded street to the market-place.

No sooner had they reached the town-hall than the countess and Dorothy withdrew to a private room, with the priest, and spent some time in earnest devotions.

IV.--ALTERCATION BETWEEN FORSTER AND MACKINTOSH.

|Finding it impossible to force his men to attack the barricade in the face of this incessant fire, Lord Forrester did not attempt any further advance for the present, but retiring to the end of the street, where he was sustained by the dismounted dragoons and Honeywood's regiment, directed Captain Preston to lead a party of men through a narrow passage which he had observed to the back of the street, and, if possible, get possession of Sir Henry Hoghton's house.

Captain Preston at once obeyed the order, but on reaching a thoroughfare, called the Broadway, at the back of the houses, he found his advance checked by the small barrier commanded by Captain Wogan. However, he unhesitatingly attacked it, but was repulsed.

While heading a second assault he was struck down by a shot, and would have instantly been cut to pieces if Captain Wogan, at the hazard of his own life, had not dashed to his assistance, and saved him from the swords raised against him.

Having succeeded in bringing off his wounded foe, the generous Wogan consigned him to the care of a surgeon. But all aid was unavailing. Preston, than whom there was not a better or braver officer in the king's service, was dead.

Hitherto General Forster had taken no part in the defence, but during a cessation of firing he rode up to the Churchgate battery, and called out to Mackintosh in a loud authoritative tone.

“Brigadier! sally out at once with your Highlanders upon the enemy.”

“Na, na, general,” replied Mackintosh. “Were I to part my foot from the horse they might be cut off.”

“I don't see why that should be,” rejoined Forster. “But if you are of the foot, sally out with the horse.”

“I cannot obey you, general,” replied the brigadier; “and for this reason. In sallying out, as you suggest, the cavalry wad have to pass through the fire of our ain foot to their great detriment; and if they failed in the attempt, they would be unable to retreat, and thus the Highlanders would be pent up in the town.”

“I don't see the reason,” cried Forster, angrily; “but I perceive you are resolved not to obey me.”

“I won't sacrifice my men, general,” rejoined the brigadier.

“Then you will take the consequences, sir,” said Forster; “for, by Heaven! if I survive this day, and the king comes to his own, I'll have you tried by a court-martial.”

Mackintosh shrugged his shoulders contemptuously.

Just then the firing recommenced, and Forester withdrew to vent his anger elsewhere.

Learning that Mackintosh had stationed Captain Innes with a party of Highlanders in Sir Henry Houghton's house, he immediately removed them, without alleging any reason for the step, and ordered Captain Maclean, with a company of gentlemen volunteers, to take the post.

V.--HOW THE TWO LARGE HOUSES IN CHURCH-STREET WERE TAKEN BY THE ASSAILANTS.

|During Forster's altercation with the Brigadier, Lord Derwentwater proceeded to the churchyard. He had now no fears respecting the countess and Dorothy, for he knew they had reached the town-hall in safety.

Scarcely had he entered the churchyard, when he perceived Captain Gordon, and calling him, said:

“You are the very man I want. Go instantly to the top of the church-tower, and let me know the movements of the enemy.”

Captain Gordon obeyed, and as soon as he reached this exalted position he looked carefully around.

We have already mentioned that the tower in question was singularly low, but from its position it commanded an entire view of the operations.

From this post of observation Captain Gordon could see Brigadier Honeywood with his regiment of dragoons stationed at the end of the street, but he did not concern himself with them, his attention being particularly attracted to the movements of Major Bland, with a large party of dismounted dragoons, attacking the battery commanded by Lord Charles Murray.

Lord Charles was defending himself vigorously and successfully, when another party was seen approaching to attack him in the flank.

Thereupon Captain Gordon gave a signal to the Earl of Derwentwater, who immediately put himself at the head of a hundred of his gentlemen and hastened to Lord Charles's assistance.

Suddenly appearing in the back lane, and flanking the enemy with a close fire, the earl quickly put them to confusion and flight.

But, while retreating, the dragoons burst open the door at the back of Sir Henry Hoghton's garden, drove out Captain Maclean and the volunteers placed there by General Forster, and took possession of the mansion.

Almost at the same time, the large house belonging to Mr. Eyre, on the opposite side of the street, which had served as General Forster's head-quarters, fell into the hands of Brigadier Honeywood.

On observing this, Captain Gordon immediately descended from the church tower, and sought out General Forster, whom he found near the entrance to the marketplace, and told him what had happened.

“By the possession of these two houses, general,” he said, “the enemy have secured most commanding positions, which will not only afford them shelter from our fire, but enable them to do us great damage. They must be retaken at any cost, but I would recommend as the shortest way that both houses be demolished by our cannon.”

“I cannot consent to their destruction, sir,” replied Forster. “The body of the town is the security of the army. We must dislodge the enemy--not destroy the houses.”

“But do you not perceive, general, that by this course you are affording security to the besiegers,” said Captain Gordon. “Reinforcements are sure to arrive, and then we shall never be able to drive out the enemy.”

“At all events, the attempt shall be made before I have recourse to cannon,” rejoined Forster. “Let both houses be attacked in front and rear--but mind! cannon must not be used.”

Scarcely able to control his anger, Captain Gordon went away.

On his return, he found that a vigorous attempt was being made by Lord Derwentwater to dislodge the enemy from Sir Henry Hoghton's house, and a sharp conflict was then going on in the garden.

An attempt was likewise being made to recover Mr. Eyre's house by a large party of dismounted troopers headed by Charles Radclyffe and Captain Shaftoe.

Brigadier Mackintosh would have quickly knocked down both these houses, but on learning that General Forster had positively prohibited the use of cannon, he desisted.

VI.--HOUSES BURNT BY THE ASSAILANTS.

|WITH the exception of the loss sustained by the capture of these two important houses, and which had been entirely caused by Forster's gross mismanagement, the insurgents had not only held their own, but obtained decided advantages over the enemy.

Not one of the three batteries on the south side of the town, though all had been repeatedly and vigorously attacked, had been taken. On the contrary, in every instance, the assailants had been repulsed, and with great loss. Neither by stratagem, nor direct assault, had any portion of the king's forces been able to penetrate into the town. All the damage they had done was at the outskirts.

The church, which constituted the most important position on the south, was entirely in the hands of the insurgents, and so trifling had been the loss sustained by them, that it had not been necessary, as yet, to call upon the reserves stationed in the market-place.

Of course, the brunt of the fight had been borne by Brigadier Mackintosh, who had planned the able defence of the town, and had stood as firm as a rock beside the barrier he had reared, but a most courageous defence of the Fishergate barrier was made by Captain Douglas and Captain Hunter, and their moss-troopers and Borderers.

Individual acts of valour were performed by these hardy fellows worthy of another age. Not content with firing upon the assailants from roof and window, they occasionally sallied forth, and then some most desperate encounters took place between them and Colonel Pitt's dismounted dragoons. Captain Douglas, who was a very powerful man, killed three dragoons with his own hand. In another sally Captain Hunter and half a dozen men with him advanced too far, and, being completely surrounded, must have been captured, or slain, had they not been rescued at great personal risk by Captain Douglas.

Some barns and small habitations, at the end of the Fishergate Avenue, occupied by the moss-troopers, were set fire to and burnt by Pitt's men, but no real damage was done.

At the same time several much larger houses were set on fire at the end of Church Street by order of Brigadier Honeywood, so as to drive out the Highlanders who occupied them, and compel them to take refuge in the churchyard. Fortunately, the wind being in the north at the time, the conflagration did not spread far. Had it blown from the opposite quarter, and the wind been strong, the whole town would probably have been destroyed. No efforts being made to extinguish the fires, the houses continued burning for several hours, and long after it became dark.

VII.--THE WINDMILL BARRICADE.

|We must now repair to the Windmill barricade, situated at the end of the Lancaster Road, and commanded by Colonel Mackintosh, kinsman of the brigadier.

Brigadier Dormer with three hundred dismounted dragoons attempted to approach this barricade by a narrow street or lane called the Back Wynd, but they were thwarted in their design by the vigilant Highlanders, who, screened by garden walls, hedges, and ditches, killed nearly half their number, and forced the rest to retreat.

A direct attack was then made on the barricade, but with no better success. The Mackintoshes proved themselves splendid marksmen.

After a third ineffectual attack by a back road, during which he again sustained considerable loss, Brigadier Dormer ordered Sergeant Johnstone and Corporal Marlow, with a score of Stanhope's dragoons, to set on fife all the houses and out-buildings. While seeing the order executed Brigadier Dormer was shot in the leg, the sergeant and corporal were killed, and some of the men wounded, but the work of destruction proceeded--and the houses and cottages were burnt close up to the barricade.

But nothing was gained. The valiant Highland chief and his clansmen laughed at the futile attempts to drive them from their post.

Having thus taken a survey of the defences of the town, it will be seen that they were all intact, and able to hold out But the besiegers were under the impression that the insurgents would attempt to cut their way out during the night. Accordingly, the Lancaster Avenue was very strongly guarded.

An express had been sent by Sir Henry Hoghton to General Carpenter, who had reached Clitheroe, to inform him that hostilities had commenced, and it was therefore certain he would arrive next day. Should this news reach the rebels, it would quicken their desire to escape, and it behoved the besiegers to be doubly vigilant--especially on the north side of the town, where the exit was most likely to be made.

Several hundreds of the king's troops, as we have stated, had been shot down in the ineffectual attacks on the barriers. Among the wounded were Major Bland and Major Lawson, and, as we have just mentioned, Brigadier Dormer was slightly hurt.

Captain Preston expired as he was being conveyed to the White Bull, where all the wounded insurgents were taken. At this place died Colonel Brereton, Mr. Clifton, and two or three others whose names are not recorded.

When Captain Peter Farquharson, of Rochaley, whose leg had been badly shattered by a bullet, was brought in by half a dozen Highlanders, and laid down on a bench, he called for brandy for the men, and taking a glass himself, said:

“Come, lads, here's to our master's health! I can fight no longer, but I wish you success.”

With mingled feelings was the health drunk.

Alas! this gallant officer died under the operation, which was unskilfully performed.

VIII.--HOW THE TWO LARGE HOUSES WERE ILLUMINATED.

|Until it grew dark, platoon-firing constantly took place from the two large houses captured by the besiegers. When night came on, the firing of course ceased, though even then occasional shots were heard.

At all the barriers the men rested on their arms, the strictest watch being kept to prevent surprise. The churchyard was still filled with troops.

A strange and terrible light was afforded by the still burning houses, and as these fires were not confined to one quarter, but could be seen at different points, it appeared as if the whole town was burning. The red reflection of the fire in the adjacent street on the tower and windows of the church produced a very striking effect.

After awhile, Brigadier Honeywood caused the windows of the two large mansions, just mentioned, to be brilliantly lighted up, and the illumination revealed every person in the street, and exposed them to the musketeers; but he soon found this told against himself, for the marksmen were quickly discovered and driven from their position, while the windows were broken by showers of bullets.

In the evening a council of war was held at the Mitre, but nothing was determined upon, except that a vigilant watch should be kept throughout the night, and a determined defence maintained on the morrow.

General Forster took very little part in the discussion, and complained bitterly that Brigadier Mackintosh had disobeyed his orders.

“I suppose it was through my fault, general, that the two large houses in Church Street were lost?” remarked the brigadier.

“Undoubtedly,” replied Forster.

“Well, then, I'll repair my fault,” said Mackintosh; “for as I'm a living man, I'll demolish them baith, or burn them to the ground to-morrow.”

“In defiance of my orders?” cried Forster.

“In defiance of anybody's orders,” rejoined Mackintosh.

“Let us have no disputes, I pray,” interposed Lord Widdrington. “We have every reason to be satisfied with the result of the day.”

“So confident am I of success,” said Mackintosh, “that I am about to write to the Earl of Mar that I expect to gain a victory over General Wills to-morrow. A battle is imminent between his lordship and the Duke of Argyle, and may possibly take place to-morrow. If so, and success should attend our arms both at Stirling and Preston, the Jacobite cause must be triumphant.”

“Heaven grant it may!” cried several voices.

After a little further discourse, the council broke up, some proceeding to an adjoining room where supper was laid out, and others returning to their posts.

Only three persons were left in the room. These were Lord Derwentwater, General Forster, and Captain Douglas.

The earl had told the others that he wished to confer with them.

“I trust all will go well to-morrow,” he said; “indeed, I do not doubt it. Still I feel the greatest anxiety respecting the countess.”

“I do not wonder at it, my lord,” remarked Forster. “I am just as anxious about my sister. Would we could get them both safely out of the town--but I fear it is impossible to do so now, since all the avenues are guarded.”

“I will insure their escape from the Fishergate barrier, of which I have the command,” said Captain Douglas.

“But the attempt must not be made before midnight. By crossing the ford, they will be able to gain the Liverpool road. Will the ladies be alone?”

“They will be attended by my chaplain, Father Nor-ham, and my butler, Newbiggin,” replied Lord Derwent' water. “I shall not send my grooms with them, unless General Forster desires it.”

“No, no!” cried Forster. “The fewer the better.”

“Of course, the party will be on horseback?” said Douglas. “I will conduct them to the ford--but there I must leave them.”

“That will suffice,” said the earl. “And I shall be eternally obliged to you for the service.”

“And so shall I,” said Forster.

“At midnight, then, I should be fully prepared,” said Douglas.

With this, he and Forster joined the others at supper in the next room, while Lord Derwentwater proceeded to the town-hall.

When they were informed of the arrangements made for their flight, the countess and Dorothy seemed dissatisfied rather than pleased, but the earl was quite resolved upon their departure.

“There is no telling what the morrow may bring forth,” he said. “And if fortune should prove adverse, I should bitterly reproach myself for allowing you to remain. Go you must.”

All arrangements having been made, Dorothy retired, and the earl and countess were left alone together.

For some minutes they both remained silent. The earl then spoke:

“I hope we may meet again at Dilston as in former days,” he said. “But I have great misgivings. Tomorrow will decide. We shall then either be victorious, or utterly defeated, and prisoners, for we are shut up in this town. In the latter event I well know what my fate will be, and I confess that I cannot shake off a dread presentiment that it will happen.”

“Do not thus be despondent, my dear lord,” said the countess. “To me everything seems to look well.”

“Not so,” he replied. “We have one great danger. Should General Carpenter arrive before we have beaten Wills, we are lost. Had a victory been gained to-day--as it might and would have been had we not been thwarted by Forster--all would have been well. But now we must trust to chance. I will not say that Forster has betrayed us, but he has been excessively indiscreet in confiding his secrets to Mrs. Scarisbrick.”

“Then you think Mrs. Scarisbrick has given secret intelligence to the enemy?”

“I am almost sure of it,” replied the earl. “But let us not trouble our parting with gloomy anticipations.”

They then endeavoured to talk cheerfully, but the effort was in vain, and it was almost a relief to both of them when Father Norham entered.

He had just heard from Dorothy of their proposed flight, and came to inquire further about it.

“Has your lordship any instructions to give me?” he said.

“None whatever,” replied the earl. “I know you will ever watch over the countess during my absence--and if aught happens, console her.”

“I will teach her how to bear her affliction,” replied the priest. “Perchance this may be your last interview,” he added, looking steadily at the countess. “Have you aught to communicate to your husband?”

“We have never had any secrets from each other, good father,” said the earl. “Is it not so, sweetheart?”

The countess made no reply.

A slight pause ensued, after which the earl said:

“Am I to understand you _have_ a secret from me?” Another pause ensued, which was broken by the countess.

“Tell him all, father,” she cried. “I cannot.”

“What is this?” exclaimed the earl, astonished, and looking at the priest for an explanation. “What have you to tell me?”

“Speak! daughter!” cried Father Norham, imperiously. “The secret must be told.”

“Keep me not in suspense!” cried the earl, looking at her.

“You will think me very deceitful when I tell you that my heart was not wholly yours when I wedded you,” she replied.

“Not wholly mine!” he exclaimed in a tone of suppressed fury. “Who then was my rival?”

“The prince,” she replied.

“The prince!” he exclaimed, with a sudden burst of rage. “Since he was capable of this perfidy, I renounce him--I throw off my allegiance--I will break the sword I have borne for him----”

“Hear me, my lord,” she cried, clinging to him.

“Away!” he exclaimed, casting her from him. “How fondly I have loved you, you well know, but now you are hateful to me. Never let me behold you more!”

“Hold! my lord,” interposed Father Norham, in a tone of authority which the earl could not resist. “There must be no misunderstanding between you and the countess. By my counsel she has made this confession to you, because the secret has long weighed upon her heart, and because you may never meet again in this world. Listen to me, my lord. The love conceived by the countess for the prince was simply an ardent feeling of loyalty, carried, perchance, to excess; but in no way culpable. If the prince's image was placed above your own in her breast, you need feel no jealousy. Nor can the prince be blamed, for word of love never passed his lips--nor was he aware of the passion he inspired.”

“Is this so?” cried the earl.

“It is so,” she replied. “I ought to have told you all this long ago--but hesitated from a silly fear, till my heart had become so burdened that I dared not speak. But now I felt that the confession must not be delayed, or it might never be made. Can you forgive me?”

“Come to my heart!” he cried, straining her to his breast.

IX.--THE FORD.

|Midnight had come.

Very dark was the night, and favourable to the purpose of those who sought to fly from the beleaguered town. The fires in the burning houses were nearly extinguished, but the course of the conflagration could still be traced by a red glow along the street.

The two large houses, now in the hands of the king's forces, were no longer illuminated, but looked sombre and threatening--the approaches to them in front and at the rear being strongly guarded.

The church-tower could be indistinctly seen in the gloom, and a close survey of the churchyard would have shown that it was filled with troops who were resting on their arms, to be ready for action at break of day.

The barrier in this quarter was strongly guarded by the Highlanders, many of whom were lying on their plaids beside the trenches while their comrades kept watch.

Throughout the town it was the same thing.

At the Windmill battery, where Wynn's and Pitt's regiments were posted, so as completely to block up the Lancaster-road, and prevent all chance of escape in that direction, the brave Clan Chattan were gathered--most of them lying on the ground, but ready to spring to their feet on the slightest alarm.

The barrier commanded by Lord Charles Murray was likewise strongly guarded, and by a vigilant force--this being a position exposed to much peril.

As to the Fishergate barricade, it was better watched by the defenders than by the enemy.

Strange to say, the outlet connected with this battery, and which led to a lane communicating with a ford over the Ribble, was not blocked up like the other avenues.

Three squadrons of horse belonging to Brigadier Pitt were posted at intervals in the fields on the north side of the river--Pitt's own quarters being fixed at a large farmhouse on the rise of the hill--but the lane we have mentioned had been left unguarded.

This unaccountable piece of negligence had been accidentally discovered by Captain Douglas, while reconnoitring the road. Still, he had not ventured more than a quarter of a mile.

Midnight had just tolled, and the besieged town presented the appearance we have endeavoured to describe, when the Countess of Derwentwater embraced her lord, and with his aid mounted the steed that was waiting for her outside the Fishergate barrier.

“Farewell, my best beloved!” cried the earl. “Farewell! it may be for ever. To-morrow will decide my fate. Should the worst happen, be sure my last thought will be of you.”

“Farewell, my dearest lord!” she cried. “I will not say for ever! for I am certain we shall meet again!”

Dorothy was already on horseback, and beside her was Charles Radclyffe, who was resolved to see them safely across the ford.

We have already mentioned that since Dorothy's arrival in Preston, Charles had fallen desperately in love with her; but, owing to circumstances, they had been little together, and now they were compelled to part. However, they did not despair of an early meeting.

In attendance on the ladies were Father Norham and Newbiggin, both of whom were well mounted.

As the conductor of the party, Captain Douglas rode a little in advance--but the countess was not far behind him.

Almost instantly the party disappeared in the gloom, and then the earl listened intently for any sounds that might tell how they got on; but nothing to occasion alarm being heard, after waiting for a few minutes, he retired--though with a sad heart.

Meanwhile, the party proceeded in the order described, and in silence. If a word was exchanged by Charles Radclyffe, it reached no other ears but their own.

No interruption was offered as they rode down the narrow lane, and even a gate that led to a field skirting the river seemed left purposely open.

Here Captain Douglas rode alone to reconnoitre, but returned almost immediately to say that the way was clear.

During his brief absence, the countess cast a look back at the hill, and could just distinguish the dark outline of the town. Here and there, it could be seen from the reflection that a house was still burning.

As they advanced, a slight glimmer showed that the river was close at hand.

Before descending the bank, Captain Douglas took hold of the countess's bridle, and then led her horse cautiously into the water.

His example was followed by Charles Radclyffe, and the two ladies were soon crossing the ford.

Evidently the river was not very deep at this point, and there seemed nothing to occasion uneasiness, when the figure of a man armed with a musket could be suddenly descried on the opposite bank.

As will be surmised, this was no other than Parson Woods of Chowbent, who had undertaken to watch the ford.

“Stop!” he shouted in a loud voice, “you cannot pass here. Attempt to advance further, and I shall fire upon you.”

“Look to yourself, friend,” rejoined Captain Douglas. “Retire at once, or I will send a bullet through your head.”

And drawing a pistol, he prepared to execute his threat.

“Hold!” said the countess. “He will let us pass, when he knows we are ladies.”

“I don't know that,” said Parson Woods. “Who are you?”

“Make way for the Countess of Derwentwater and Miss Forster,” cried Captain Douglas, thinking to overawe him.

Precisely the contrary effect was produced.

No sooner did Parson Woods hear those important names than he called to his men who were concealed by the bank behind him:

“Arise, and follow me! Heaven has delivered into our hands the wife and sister of the principal rebels! Come with me, I say, that we may prevent the flight of the Countess of Derwentwater and Miss Forster.”

So saying, he dashed into the river, followed by his men, and though Captain Douglas fired at him, he was not harmed, but seized the countess's bridle, and detained her; while Dorothy was captured in like manner by some of his men, despite Charles Radclyffe's resistance.

What might have ensued it is impossible to say, since Captain Douglas and his companion were compelled to beat a hasty retreat by the sudden appearance of a party of Pitt's dragoons.

Father Norham and Newbiggin offered no resistance, and were captured with the ladies.

X.--BY WHOM THE COUNTESS AND DOROTHY WERE LIBERATED.

|The leader of the troop seemed an important personage, since he was treated with marked deference by Parson Woods. After putting a few questions in an undertone to the minister, he turned to the ladies, and said:

“Am I to understand that I am addressing Lady Derwent water and Miss Forster?”

“You are, sir,” replied the countess. “And if you are satisfied on the point, I presume we shall not be detained?”

The officer made no direct reply, but said rather bluntly:

“Who are these persons with you?”

“One is Lord Derwentwater's chaplain,” replied the countess. “The other is a private servant.”

“Your ladyship must excuse me if I appear inquisitive, but I am obliged to ask where you are going?” said the officer. “Moreover, I must request a precise answer to the inquiry.”

“It is not my habit to equivocate, sir,” replied she. “My destination is Dilston, and if we are allowed to proceed, Miss Forster will accompany me.”

“I presume your ladyship thinks Preston unsafe, or you would not quit it in this manner?” remarked the officer.

Lady Derwentwater made no reply.

“That question ought not to have been put,” said

Dorothy. “We are not called upon to explain the cause of our departure.”

“But when General Forster's sister flies, it may be presumed that the place is not likely to hold out long,” remarked the officer.

“You may draw any inference you please,” rejoined Dorothy. “My own opinion is that General Wills will be driven away to-morrow. He has certainly had the worst of it to-day.”

“Then you will have an opportunity of witnessing his defeat,” said the officer; “for I propose to send you back to the town. Parson Woods,” he added to the minister, “since you have made this important capture, you shall conduct the ladies to the Fishergate avenue. I will send a party of horse to sustain you.”

“I don't require support, general,” said the minister.

“General!” exclaimed the countess. “Is it possible we are speaking to General Wills?”

“Has your ladyship only just made that discovery?” cried Parson Woods, laughing.

“I suspected it from the first,” observed Dorothy.

“You can tell your brother, the general, that you have had a conference with me,” said Wills; “and that you told me to my face that I should be defeated on the morrow.”

“I told you the truth, general, however disagreeable it may be to hear it,” said Dorothy.

“Well, time will show,” rejoined Wills; “but I rather think that before to-morrow night General Forster will have surrendered, and in that event the Earl of Derwentwater will be given up as a hostage.”

Just then a horseman, who proved to be Sir Henry Hoghton, rode up, having with him a lady on horseback.

“I am glad I have found you, general,” said Sir Henry. “This lady has something important to communicate to you.”

“Pray come this way, madam,” said Wills, taking the lady aside.

Thereupon, a whispered conversation took place between them.

“I know that voice,” observed the countess to Dorothy. “But surely it cannot be----

“It is Mrs. Scarisbrick,” was the reply in a low tone. “I always thought she played my brother false. Now we have positive proof of it. She has come to give information respecting the state of the town.”

Dorothy was quite right in the conjecture.

When the conference between Wills and Mrs. Scarisbrick was ended, and the lady found that the countess and Dorothy were close at hand, she became very uneasy, and begged General Wills to set them free.

“If they go back, I cannot,” she observed. “They will tell General Forster they have seen me here, and what explanation can I give him?”

“It matters little now what explanation is given,” replied Wills. “But you shall not be exposed to any annoyance. You must be on the spot. To-morrow, you are certain to have important information to give me.”

“I will not fail,” she replied.

General Wills then called to Sir Henry, and after consigning Mrs. Scarisbrick to his care turned to Parson Woods, who was waiting for final orders, and said:

“I have altered my plans, parson. Take Lady Der-wentwater and Miss Forster with their attendants across the river, and then set them free.”

“It shall be done, general,” replied Woods, with a military salute. “Be pleased to follow me, ladies.”

He was not quite so civil to Father Norham and New-biggin.

“I hope we are not liberated at that lady's request,” said the countess. “I would not willingly be under any obligation to her.”

“You need not be uneasy,” said Wills. “You are under no obligation to any one but me. Good-night, ladies. I wish you a safe journey to Dilston. When I tell you that General Carpenter will be here with two thousand men to-morrow, you may be glad to be out of the way.”

He rode off, while the ladies and their companions were taken across the ford by Parson Woods, and then liberated.

XI.--AN UNLUCKY SHOT.

|After their unsuccessful attempt to cross the ford, Charles Radclyffe and Captain Douglas did not return to the town, but concealed themselves among some trees till they had ascertained that the countess and Dorothy were to be liberated. They then went back tolerably well satisfied with the issue of the adventure.

As they were riding slowly up the lane leading to the Fishergate avenue, they caught the sound of horses' feet behind them, and stopped to listen.

It was so dark that nothing could be seen distinctly, but they heard voices, and Captain Douglas drew a pistol and called out, “Who goes there?”

“A friend,” replied a voice.

“To whom?” demanded Douglas. “To King James, or King George.”

“I am no rebel,” replied the person who had spoken. “But it seems you are, and I am therefore bound to make you a prisoner. It will be useless to resist, for I have a dozen men with me.”

“I would not yield if you had twice the number,” rejoined Douglas. “Advance a step further, and I will shoot you.”

“Let him go, Sir Henry,” cried a female voice.

“'Tis Sir Henry Hoghton,” said Charles Radclyffe.

“So it seems,” said Douglas. “Come, Sir Henry,” he cried. “'Tis for you to yield--not me.”

“This is my answer,” replied Sir Henry, firing at him, but without effect.

“And this my rejoinder,” cried Douglas, firing in his turn.

A shriek followed.

“What have I done?” cried Douglas.

“Wounded a lady,” replied Sir Henry. “Are you much hurt, madam?” he asked.

“Mortally, I fear,” she replied, in a faint voice. “Support me, or I shall fall from my horse.”

“'Tis Mrs. Scarisbrick!” cried Charles Radclyffe.

END OF BOOK EIGHT

_BOOK THE NINTH_

I.--HOW A PARTY OF DRAGOONS WAS ROUTED BY CAPTAIN GORDON.

|As soon as it began to grow light next morning, Captain Gordon mounted the church-tower to survey the town.

All seemed quiet--besieged and defenders. The Highlanders were still lying stretched on their plaids near the barricade; but the greater part of the troops, who did not possess the hardihood of the Scots, had quitted the churchyard, and sought shelter in some of the adjacent houses.

No signs of movement were visible in the two large houses in possession of the enemy; but the sentinels were at their posts, and no doubt the men could be summoned instantly to arms.

The street presented a ghastly sight--the dead not having been removed, and the ground being covered with blood.