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 Norman and Newbiggin offered no resistance, and were captured with the ladies.
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BOOK THE NINTH
THE SURRENDER
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—besiegers 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 sonic 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.
Turning from this painful spectacle he surveyed the fields outside the town, but could not perceive that any change had been made in the disposition of the enemy.
A mist arose from the marshy ground in the neighbourhood of the river, and partially concealed the militia stationed near the bridge, but the two squadrons of Pitt’s dragoons could be distinguished in the fields.
Whatever might be the design of the enemy, it seemed to Captain Gordon that no immediate attack was intended.
But while he continued his survey, and carefully reconnoitred the outskirts of the town, he perceived some dismounted dragoons creeping along the Wigan lane towards the town.
Watching them carefully for a few minutes, during which it got lighter, he found their numbers increase, and became convinced that they were the head of a large party.
He therefore quickly descended from the tower, and gave the alarm to Brigadier Mackintosh, whom he found at his post, and who ordered him to proceed at once to the Fishergate barrier-the only outlet not blocked up-and take a troop of horse and attack them.
Captain Gordon instantly obeyed-nor was he detained at the barrier in question.
Fifty stout Borderers, who were sleeping beside their steeds, bridle in hand, were quickly in the saddle. A horse was found for him, and the party sallied forth.
The Wigan lane was about a quarter of a mile off, and to reach it they had to cross the field on the south side of the town. They got there just as the dragoons had quitted the lane, but had not formed, and immediately charged them-throwing them into confusion by the suddenness of the attack.
The conflict only lasted for a few minutes, and ended in the complete rout of the dragoons, several of whom were killed, including the captain. Very little loss was sustained by the insurgents.