Preston Fight by W. Harrison Ainsworth

“I am not in the slightest degree afraid,” she replied.

“I shall not be away many minutes,” he cried, dashing off at full speed.

By this time, the party had disappeared, but he soon overtook them, and in less than five minutes returned with one of Lord Widdrington’s grooms.

But Anna was not there. The poor disabled horse had never stirred from the spot. But its mistress was gone.

Lord Derwentwater gazed anxiously in every direction, but could see nothing of her. Thinking she might have gone to the castle, he hurried thither, followed by the groom, dashed through the gateway, and through an inner gate into the court.

Here he gazed distractedly around, but could see no one. Nor was any answer returned to his cries.

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V

How the Prince was lodged in the old Fortress

MEANWHILE, the prince and his attendants had proceeded tranquilly on their way to Bamborough Castle, which is not more than an hour’s ride from Dunstanborough.

But nearly double that time was consumed on the present occasion, for the prince made several halts, being greatly struck by the imposing aspect and commanding position of the old stronghold.

No uneasiness was felt at the non-appearance of the earl and his betrothed. It was known that an accident had befallen the young lady’s horse-and all were aware that a groom had gone back with his lordship to Dunstanborough-but no importance was attached to this circumstance.

On his arrival at Bamborough the prince was ceremoniously received by Mr. Forster who had ridden on in advance with Dorothy. He was first ushered into the hall of the modern mansion which was thronged with servants, who bowed reverently as he appeared, and everything looked so cheerful and comfortable, and so like the abode of a country squire-all the doors were wide open-there were so many dogs about-and such an air of free and easy hospitality pervaded the place-that he would fain have taken up his quarters there, had it been judged prudent.

Mr. Forster would have readily acceded to his highness’s wishes, and have assigned him the best rooms in the mansion, but Lord Widdrington and Colonel Oxburgh declared that he must be lodged in the old castle. There he might sleep in security-surrounded by lofty walls, and protected by strong gates. In the daytime there was comparatively little danger.

Quite reconciled to the arrangement, the prince was shortly afterwards conducted by his host to the lower ward of the castle, and thence to one of the towers, the chambers within which were comfortably furnished, and with this accommodation he was very well content.

As a guard to his highness, it was next arranged that Colonel Oxburgh should occupy the lower chamber of the same tower, and that the adjoining fortifications should be tenanted by Captain Wogan and the rest of the troop, together with some of Mr. Forster’s retainers on whose courage and fidelity perfect reliance could be placed.

These arrangements made, the prince walked round the walls of the castle, attended by his host, Lord Widdrington, and Colonel Oxburgh, and was greatly struck by the strength of its position.

Though the sea was tolerably calm, the waves came dashing against the precipitous rock on which the edifice was reared. The Farne Islands looked close at hand, and Holy Island could be seen looming in the distance on the left.

Turning from the sea, the prince contemplated for awhile the square massive keep, and then descended to the court.

Here they were met by the butler, who brought the welcome intelligence that dinner was served. Though it was judged expedient that the prince should lodge within the castle, it was not thought necessary that he should dine there.

“If I am not able to entertain your majesty as well as I could desire,” said Mr. Forster, “I trust you will excuse me on the ground that I have had little time for preparation. I cannot give you a banquet such as we partook of yesterday at Dilston.”

“Make no apologies,” said the prince. “I am no epicure, and care not how plain the fare may be. Apropos of the feast of yesterday! where is Lord Derwentwater?”