“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.
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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 Derwentwater 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 Wid-drington,” 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.”
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