This proved to be Jesmond, and though armed, he did not offer any resistance-probably thinking it would be useless. Disarming him, and giving the weapons to Nathan, the earl told the latter to shoot the man if he attempted to fly.
An additional guard was found in Cheviot, who had followed his master, and cut off all chance of the prisoner’s escape.
In some respects this was an important capture, and the earl hoped to turn it to account. At any rate, he had ascertained that the party were still at the castle, and felt sure he should take them by surprise.
On entering the farm-yard the earl found between thirty and forty stalwart yeomen collected there.
All of them had got good strong horses, and had pistols in their holsters and swords by the side. With them were half a dozen grooms. The sight of these sturdy fellows sent a thrill through the earl’s breast, and he reproached himself with not having confided to them the defence of the castle. They would have set up a shout on his appearance, but he checked them. Very few minutes sufficed to arrange matters. All the yeomen were quickly in the saddle.
Mounted on his favourite dapple-grey steed, which had been brought to the farm-yard, the Earl of Derwentwater put himself at the head of his troop, and bade them follow him to the castle-but ere they arrived there they received an important reinforcement.
Colonel Oxburgh, Captain Wogan, and the rest of that gallant little band, who still held together, were then at Hexham, and having learnt that the magistrates of Newcastle, attended by a party of horse-militia, designed to arrest Lord Derwentwater, they set off to the earl’s assistance, and arrived in the very nick of time.
They were galloping up the chestnut avenue at the very time when the earl brought his troop from the farm. An immediate explanation took place; and on hearing how matters stood, Colonel Oxburgh exclaimed, “I think we can take them prisoners.”
They then rode quickly forward, and finding that the whole of the militiamen were in the court, they drew up in front of the gate, so as to prevent the departure of the intruders.
After this successful manœuvre, which was very quickly executed, Lord Derwentwater and the principal persons with him advanced into the court.
Here all was confusion and dismay. Most of the militiamen had dismounted, and were scattered about the court in a very disorderly manner.
While their leader was shouting to them to mount, Lord Derwentwater dashed up to him, and seizing his bridle, demanded his sword.
The officer held back for a moment, but seeing that the gate was strongly guarded, and retreat impossible, he yielded, and the men did not seem inclined to offer any further opposition.
Hitherto the magistrates had been inside the house, but they now came forth to see what was going on, and no sooner had they done so than the door was shut and barred behind them.
They were contemplating the scene with dismay, when Lord Derwentwater and his friends came up.
“The tables are turned, you perceive, gentlemen,” said the earl, in a mocking tone. “You have come here to arrest me, and are made prisoners yourselves.”
“But your lordship won’t detain us,” rejoined Sir William.
“I have no wish to put you to inconvenience, but I shall not let you go, unless you engage to return direct to Newcastle.”
After a short consultation with his brother magistrates, Sir William said, “We agree.”
“You must also deliver up the warrant, and undertake that no further attempt shall be made to arrest me,” said the earl.
“Your lordship must feel that we cannot enter into such an engagement,” replied Mr. Woodburn. “We will deliver up the warrant, but we cannot tell what steps may be taken.”
“Well, I advise you not to come again on the like errand,” said the earl. “One of your officers has fallen into my hands. I shall keep him as a hostage, and if aught happens contrary to our present understanding, I will most assuredly shoot him. Now, gentlemen, you are free to depart as soon as you please.”