Preston Fight Part 13

"I thought as much," cried Nathan. "I shall be proud, indeed, to afford your lords.h.i.+p a hiding-place, and I think you will be quite safe here."

"The magistrates are coming with a party of horse-militia to-morrow, and as they won't find me at the castle, they are sure to make a strict search in the neighbourhood."

"Let 'em try. We'll baffle 'em," said the wood-cutter.

"But however shall we accommodate his lords.h.i.+p?" said Dame Blacklaw to the countess. "He won't condescend to occupy our bed."

"Give yourself no trouble about me, dame," interposed the earl. "I can sleep very well in that arm-chair. With Cheviot to watch over me, I shall fear no nocturnal intruder."

"Your lords.h.i.+p will have timely warning should any one come near the place. Of that you may rest a.s.sured," said the woodcutter.

Having made all the arrangements he thought necessary, the earl then left with the countess. His parting injunction to the woodcutter and his wife was to look out for him early in the morning, and not to breathe a word to any one that they expected him.

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IV.

The Maiden's Walk

DESPITE his melancholy forebodings, the earl little dreamed this would be the last night he should ever pa.s.s at the castle. He attended ma.s.s in the little chapel, and held a long consultation with his brother, Charles Radclyffe, who had now returned from Corbridge, as to the best steps to be taken.

"'Tis unlucky that our friends are scattered at this moment," said the earl. "Had we been able to unite, instead of flying from arrest, we might have attacked Newcastle, and, if we had succeeded in capturing the place, we should have been masters of the county."

"This may yet be accomplished," said Charles Radclyffe.

"Not unless we can get together a sufficient force," said the earl. "Forster and Lord Widdrington may not like to make the attempt, as I know they both deem it very hazardous. We shall hear what Widdrington says on his return from Lancas.h.i.+re."

"Shall I appoint a meeting if I can find means of communicating with them?" asked Charles Radclyffe. "And where shall the place of rendezvous be fixed?"

"At Plainfield or thereabouts," replied the earl. "Ten days hence I will be there, unless I am prevented, and will bring with me all the men I can muster."

"I will find some means of sending this information to Forster," said Charles Radclyffe; "and he will communicate with Widdrington. If the Earl of Mar would send us a Highland regiment it would help us greatly. Shall I write to him in your name?"

"Do so without delay," said the earl. "The rising will never be successful unless our force is materially strengthened."

"All your instructions shall be attended to," said Charles Radclyffe, "and I trust nothing will go wrong to-morrow."

The rest of the evening was spent in affectionate converse by the earl and countess. There were no guests in the house, so they sat together till supper, when they were joined by Charles Radclyffe and Father Norman.

The countess was in excellent spirits, and laughed at the threatened visit of the magistrates. If the earl was not equally free from apprehension he contrived to a.s.sume a cheerful aspect.

Next morning, soon after daybreak, Lord Derwent.w.a.ter arose. The countess was still slumbering, but before he took his departure he stooped down to print a kiss on her brow. Instantly awakened, she flung her arms round his neck, and bade him adieu.

"I have had a very happy dream," she said; "and I hope it may come true. I thought the king was restored, and chiefly by your instrumentality."

"Much has to be done ere that can be accomplished," rejoined the earl. "But I do not despair."

"I wish you could remain here, and resist the officers," she said. "How pleased I should be to see them driven hence!"

"There is no chance of such a result," said the earl. "We must bide our time. In a few days we shall take the field."

Tenderly embracing her, he then quitted the room.

None of the household were astir as Lord Derwent.w.a.ter went forth. He gave one look at the mansion, heaved a deep sigh, and proceeded towards the wood.

The morning was grey and misty, the trees in the park could scarcely be distinguished, and the brook at the bottom of the glen was hidden by vapour.

Gloomy thoughts likewise possessed him, and as he tracked the sombre alley, he thought he beheld a female figure, arrayed in white, advancing towards him.

Not doubting it was the Maiden, he instantly stopped.

In another moment the phantom stood before him. Its looks were sad and compa.s.sionate, but it spoke not, and terror kept him dumb.

After remaining thus transfixed for a few moments, he broke the spell and moved forwards, but the phantom waved him back, and he again halted.

With another warning gesture, accompanied by a look of indescribable pity, the figure vanished.

Not for some minutes after issuing from the alley, did the earl recover from the shock he had received, and he was still leaning for support against a tree, when he was roused by the approach of the woodcutter and his dog.

"I fear your lords.h.i.+p is unwell?" remarked Nathan.

"No," replied the earl, "but I have been much alarmed. I have just seen the Maiden."

"Then I don't wonder your lords.h.i.+p is disturbed," said the woodcutter. "May I venture to ask what occurred?"

"The spirit warned me to turn back," said the earl, "But it is now too late."

The woodcutter made no remark, but seemed to think that the warning ought not to be neglected.

On reaching the hut, Lord Derwent.w.a.ter threw himself into the arm-chair and presently fell asleep. Nor did he awake for some hours.

During this interval, Dame Blacklaw moved about as noiselessly as she could, so as not to disturb him-Cheviot crouched at his feet-and Nathan went on with his work outside; but he left it, ever and anon, for a short s.p.a.ce, while he flew to the skirts of the woods to reconnoitre.

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V.

How Charles Radclyffe provoked Sir William Lorraine

ABOUT nine o'clock on the same morning, the Newcastle magistrates arrived at the castle. They were attended by certain subordinate officers, armed with sword and pistol, and by a party of horse-militia.

As the gate had been thrown wide open by the porter, they all rode into the court, and the chief persons-three in number-proceeded to the entrance and dismounted.

Among them was Sir William Lorraine, who though he had long ceased to be high sheriff, was still a magistrate. As on the former expedition, Sir William was accompanied by his active agent, Jesmond, who was determined not to be duped on the present occasion. While the magistrates and the others entered the court, Jesmond and his comrade Hedgeley fastened up their horses and proceeded to the garden to look about them.

As may well be supposed, the noise and clatter caused by this large party of hors.e.m.e.n, had brought forth all the servants, and when the magistrates dismounted at the steps, they were met by Newbiggin and two or three others.

In return to their obeisances, Sir William, as the princ.i.p.al magistrate, said in a loud authoritative tone to Newbiggin: "Conduct us at once to the Earl of Derwent.w.a.ter. We hold a warrant for his arrest."

"His lords.h.i.+p is not within," replied the butler, with formal politeness.

"Where is he?" demanded Sir William. "We must see him."

"I don't see how that can be managed, Sir William, seeing that his lords.h.i.+p is in Lancas.h.i.+re," rejoined Newbiggin.

"In Lancas.h.i.+re!" exclaimed Sir William. "He must have travelled very quickly. I know he was here yesterday."

"Yes, Sir William, but he intended to ride throughout the night, and I make no doubt he is in Lancas.h.i.+re this morning."

"Then he has fled?"

"Pardon me, Sir William, he has gone on a visit to some of his Roman Catholic friends."

"Harkee, sirrah!" cried Mr. Woodburn, another of the magistrates. "Take care how you attempt to deceive us. You will not go unpunished."

"Perhaps you would like to see her ladys.h.i.+p, gentlemen-or Mr. Charles Radclyffe?" said Mr. Newbiggin.

"It will be necessary to see them both, and to search the house as well," said Mr. Woodburn.

"You will be good enough to state your wishes to her ladys.h.i.+p, sir," rejoined the butler. "I dare say she will make no objection. Be pleased to step this way, gentlemen."

He then conducted them across the hall to the dining-room, where they found Lady Derwent.w.a.ter, Mr. Charles Radclyffe, and Father Norman at breakfast.

Her ladys.h.i.+p looked very charming in her morning toilette, and seemed in no way discomposed by the entrance of the magistrates. Still holding the cup of chocolate, from which she was sipping, she arose and made them a formal courtesy.

"These gentlemen are Newcastle magistrates, my lady," said the butler, significantly.

"I understand," she replied. "You have explained that his lords.h.i.+p is not at home?"

"Yes, my lady; but they are not content with my a.s.surance."

"Your ladys.h.i.+p must be fully aware," said Sir William, sententiously, "that the Earl of Derwent.w.a.ter has incurred the suspicion of Government, and will not therefore be surprised to learn that we hold a warrant for his arrest. We cannot depart without him."

"That implies a doubt as to the truth of the statement you have just heard, that his lords.h.i.+p is not at home," observed the countess.

"Where her husband's safety is concerned, a wife may perhaps consider herself justified in duping the authorities," remarked Sir William. "If I seem to doubt your ladys.h.i.+p's word, you must excuse me."

"Then I will say no more, but leave you to take your own course," she rejoined.

"We will put your ladys.h.i.+p to as little inconvenience as we can," said Mr. Woodburn. "But we must search the house."

"Search as much as you please, gentlemen, you will be disappointed" remarked Charles Radclyffe. "I will give you my head if you find Lord Derwent.w.a.ter here."

"I know you to be a man of honour, sir," said Sir William, "and therefore am inclined to believe you."

"Inclined to believe me, sir!" exclaimed Charles Radclyffe, furiously. "'Sdeath, sir, you shall believe me, or render an immediate account of your incredulity."

"If you have a quarrel to arrange, pray step out upon the lawn," remarked Lady Derwent.w.a.ter.

"At any other time, I should not refuse Mr. Charles Radclyffe's challenge," said Sir William. "But just now I have a duty to perform, and shall not be deterred by an idle threat. I must again express my conviction that Lord Derwent.w.a.ter is concealed in the house."

"Then make a careful search, Sir William," said the countess. "And if you cannot disprove Mr. Charles Radclyffe's a.s.sertion, you are bound to offer him an apology."

Turning to Father Norman, she added, "Your reverence will be good enough to conduct these gentlemen over the house. Go with them, likewise, Newbiggin."

"I shall take leave to make one of the party," said Charles Radclyffe.

Thereupon, they quitted the dining-room, leaving the countess alone.

This was the second time that Sir William Lorraine had made a perquisition of the house, and he was able, therefore, to get through the business with despatch. But he had to brook a great many insolent observations from Charles Radclyffe, who lost no opportunity of provoking him. The search occupied more than an hour, and when it was concluded, and the magistrates were obliged to confess their failure, Charles burst into a contemptuous laugh, and said: "This is on a par with your great feat at Bamborough, Sir William, which gained you so much reputation in the county, when you were high sheriff."

"You do well to remind me of the trick played upon me at that time," said Sir William, greatly exasperated. "I have not forgotten it, though Mr. Forster and some others may wish I had. I think, sir, you will be safest at Newcastle, and since I cannot secure Lord Derwent.w.a.ter, I will take you with me, and hold you as a hostage for your brother."

"Do not imagine I will accompany you, Sir William," said Charles.

"You will have no option," rejoined the other. "You will be taken as a prisoner."

"I scarcely think so," said Charles. "You have no warrant, and I will resist any attempt to arrest me."

This angry colloquy took place in the hall, and was overheard by several of the servants, who were ready to rush to Charles Radclyffe's a.s.sistance, should he need them.

Just then, Jesmond and Hedgeley came in, and the magistrates called out to them.

Profiting by this interval, Father Norman urged the rash young man to fly, and he yielded to the counsel.