Preston Fight by W. Harrison Ainsworth

“You have left him at Dunstanborough, I suppose?” observed Lord Widdrington.

“Yes, in charge of your groom,” she replied “Your lordship’s horse carries me capitally.”

“Then pray use him as long as you will! And now let us on, and relieve the anxiety of our friends.”

With this they quickened their pace, and made such good way that dinner was not quite over when they reached Bamborough.

Great rejoicing was manifested on their appearance, and when Anna’s adventure became known, the feeling rose to excitement. Dorothy could not contain herself, but springing from her seat, rushed up to her friend and embraced her.

We need scarcely say that under such unusual circumstances another health was drunk, in addition to the grand toast, which was never omitted.

A great deal of claret was generally drunk at Mr. Forster’s dinners, as we have already remarked, and the custom would probably not have been neglected on the present occasion if the prince had not risen early from table, and proceeded to the drawing-room, where there was music and singing.

The prince retired early, and proceeded to his lodgings in the old fortress, attended by his host, Lord Derwentwater, Lord Widdrington, and several others. It chanced to be a fine moonlight night, and the appearance of the massive keep, partly lighted up by the beams, partly in shadow, was so striking, that his highness remained for some time contemplating the massive pile.

He then mounted the walls to gaze at the sea, which was brilliantly illumined-a broad track of light leading across its unruffled surface to the Farne Islands, and producing a truly magical effect.

Scarcely able to tear himself away from this bewitching scene, the prince, at last, bade his attendants good night, and sought his chamber in the tower.

Though no real danger was apprehended, unwonted precautions were taken for his security. The gates were barred, and watch was kept upon the walls throughout the night.

Colonel Oxburgh and his companions were prepared to act on any sudden emergency, and the colonel had arranged his plans with the two nobles, who had likewise decided upon passing the night in the castle.

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VII

An Alarm

MORNING came, and nothing had occurred to cause alarm.

The prince slept soundly in the tower, and was up betimes, and on the walls, enjoying the view, and inhaling the fresh sea-breeze. So well pleased was he that the thought that he must speedily quit the castle pained him. But he did not delude himself with the idea, that, strong as was the fortress, it would be possible to maintain it against a regular attack. Flight, therefore, was his only alternative. A vessel must be procured to convey him to France-and this must be accomplished without delay.

Accordingly, when Lord Derwentwater and Lord Widdrington joined him, he made known his wishes to them. They both endeavoured to dissuade him from his purpose, but finding him resolved, Lord Widdrington undertook to proceed forthwith to Berwick-upon-Tweed, and make all necessary arrangements.

“I have many friends at Berwick-some of them partisans of your majesty,” said Lord Widdrington; “and I doubt not I shall be able to hire a small vessel to convey you to Dunkerque, but it may perhaps be necessary for you to embark from Holy Island, or the Farne Islands, but this will depend, in some measure, on the master of the ship. As soon as I have succeeded in making an arrangement I will return, and let your majesty know what I have done.”

“I should like to start to-night,” said the prince.

“That is allowing very short time for preparation, my liege,” replied Lord Widdrington. “But I will do my best to carry out your majesty’s wishes,”

“I am sorry to give your lordship so much trouble,” said the prince. “But I know you make light of it in your zealous desire to serve me.”

“That is perfectly true, my liege,” rejoined Lord Widdrington. “I only regret that I cannot give stronger proof of my devotion. I heartily wish your majesty would stay where you are, but since you are determined to leave us, I will do my best to expedite your departure.”