She beheld Charles Radclyffe standing there, with his drawn sword, threatening any one who approached him. Feeling, however, that if any catastrophe occurred, the consequences would be disastrous, he formed a different resolution, and at once acted upon it.
Springing to the side of the terrace, that bordered the ravine, he flung his sword into the hollow, and then plunged down the rocky sides of the abyss, certain no one would follow him in this perilous descent.
Those who looked down from the terrace, saw him reach the banks of the Devil’s Water in safety, pick up his sword, and then disappear among the bushes.
Jesmond, who had drawn a pistol would have fired at him, but this Sir William Lorraine would not allow.
“Capture him, if you can,” he said. “But he must not be wounded-unless he resists.”
But it did not appear likely that anything more would be seen of him.
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VI
How Charles Radclyffe joined the Earl at the Hut
AFTER slumbering tranquilly for three or four hours in the arm-chair Lord Derwentwater roused himself, and breakfasted with a very good appetite on the simple fare provided for him by Dame Blacklaw.
He next occupied himself in examining some papers which he carried in a small portfolio, and was still thus employed when Cheviot, who had never left him, suddenly raised his head, and gave a low growl.
“He hears something,” observed Dame Blacklaw. But there can be no danger, or Nathan would have come to warn your lordship.”
After listening for a moment, Cheviot got up and began to whine, and the door being opened, he rushed forth, and a joyous bark was instantly heard outside.
Curious to learn who was there, Lord Derwentwater hastily put up his papers, and went out.
To his great surprise, he found the new-comer was his brother, who told him in a few words what had taken place, and though the earl blamed him for his imprudence, he felt greatly enraged against Sir William Lorraine.
“I should like to drive these magistrates from the castle,” he said.
“If you are of that mind, it may still be done,” rejoined Charles. “But for your express orders to the contrary, I would have shut the gates, and shown them fight.”
“But no preparations had been made,” said the earl.
“There you are mistaken,” returned Charles. “I was quite ready. All the tenants and retainers are stationed at the farm; all the horses have been taken there; all the arms and ammunition have been removed from the old tower, and deposited in one of the barns; all the grooms and active men-servants are likewise at the farm.”
“And you have done all this without consulting me?” cried the earl.
“It was done at the urgent request of the countess,” replied Charles. “She said, ‘It is not fitting that the Earl of Derwentwater should hide in hovels, when the gentry are in arms for their lawful sovereign. It shall never be said that the officers came to Dilston to arrest him, and were allowed to depart as they came. If no one else will do it, I will drive them hence.’ I dissuaded her from this bold step, but I agreed to get all ready with the design of effecting your rescue if you should fall into their hands.”
“You have done well, Charles,” cried the earl, “and I thank you. Let us to the farm at once, and if the enemy are still at the castle we will soon expel them.”
“This resolution is worthy of you, my lord,” said Charles. “I fear your flight might have been misconstrued.”
Thinking Nathan might be useful, the earl bade him follow, and hastened away with his brother.
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VII
How the Magistrates and the Militiamen were forced to quit the Castle
THE farm to which reference has just been made, lay on the other side of the castle, and was distant about half a mile from the woodcutter’s hut.
The earl and his companions, however, proceeded so expeditiously that they were soon there, but as they were tracking a lane that led to the farm buildings they encountered a man, who had evidently been reconnoitring the place, and instantly secured him.