“And now let us set to work at once,” said the brigadier. “We haven’t a minute to lose.”
Thereupon they all went forth, and each person, to whom the construction and command of a barricade had been committed, called his men together, and proceeded to the appointed spot.
Such extraordinary exertions were made, and so many hands employed, that in an incredibly short space of time intrenchments were thrown up, and strong barriers formed.
The Earl of Derwentwater and Charles Radclyffe assisted in person in the formation of the Churchgate barrier. Stripping off their coats they worked like pioneers, and were greatly encouraged by the presence of the countess and Dorothy Forster.
As soon as the Churchgate barrier was completed, two of the ship guns brought from Lancaster were placed upon it and entrusted to the management of Tom Syddall and some of his men.
While these defensive preparations were going on, all the houses in Church-street and the Fishergate were filled with Highlanders and dismounted troopers, ready to fire upon the enemy from window, roof, and cellar.
In these two streets were the best houses of the town, and here Brigadier Mackintosh anticipated that the chief attack would be made.
The church, as already mentioned, was surrounded by an extensive churchyard, and here-as the most available place for the purpose-a strong force was collected.
On the north side of the edifice were posted the Lowlanders and Northumbrian gentlemen-the latter being now dismounted-under the command of Colonel Oxburgh and Colonel Brereton, who had lately joined as a volunteer.
On the south side were planted the Borderers, likewise dismounted, under the command of Captains Douglas and Hunter.
In a small street adjoining Sir Henry Hoghton’s house a small barrier had been formed by Captain Wogan and his regiment.
All the reserves were posted in the marketplace, and here were kept the horses of the dismounted troopers.
While the barriers were being formed, General Forster, attended by a small party of men, rode from point to point to give directions, which were not always obeyed.
Having finished his survey he entered the town-hall, where a great number of ladies had taken refuge-among whom was Mrs. Scarisbrick-and assured them they had nothing to fear.
“The enemy will never be able to penetrate the centre of the town,” he said. “All the fighting will take place at the barricades. We shall soon force them to retreat.”
“I am glad to find you are so confident,” said Mrs. Scarisbrick. “For my own part I confess I feel very uneasy-though I don’t doubt the bravery of our troops.”
“My preparations are so well made that we are quite unassailable,” said Forster. “The barriers will never be passed. Lady Derwentwater and my sister entertain so little apprehension of the result of the attack that they do not mean to quit Sir Henry Hoghton’s house, but will station themselves on the roof to witness the attack on the battery.”
“I begin to think I should like to see the commencement of the attack,” remarked Mrs. Scarisbrick. “It must be a very curious sight. And since you say there is no danger—”
“I don’t say so,” interrupted Forster. “On the contrary, there is very great danger. Stay where you are. You are quite safe here.”
“No, I will go,” she cried. “My curiosity is aroused. You shall take me to Sir Henry Hoghton’s house.”
“Don’t ask me!” he cried. “I won’t do it.”
The lady, however, being determined, he was obliged to comply.
Ordering a trooper to follow him with his horse, he conducted her to Church-street, which was now full of soldiers, and left her at the entrance to Sir Henry Hoghton’s house. She would not allow him to go further, saying, she could easily find her way to the roof.
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II
What the Countess and Dorothy beheld from the summit of the Mansion
NO position in the town, except, perhaps, the tower of the church, commanded so good a view of the proceedings as was obtained from the summit of this lofty mansion.
Part of the roof was flat, and protected by a balustrade, and it was here that the countess and Dorothy Forster were stationed.
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