After remaining thus transfixed for a few moments, he broke the spell and moved forwards, but the phantom waved him back, and he again halted.
With another warning gesture, accompanied by a look of indescribable pity, the figure vanished.
Not for some minutes after issuing from the alley, did the earl recover from the shock he had received, and he was still leaning for support against a tree, when he was roused by the approach of the woodcutter and his dog.
“I fear your lordship is unwell?” remarked Nathan.
“No,” replied the earl, “but I have been much alarmed. I have just seen the Maiden.”
“Then I don’t wonder your lordship is disturbed,” said the woodcutter. “May I venture to ask what occurred?”
“The spirit warned me to turn back,” said the earl, “But it is now too late.”
The woodcutter made no remark, but seemed to think that the warning ought not to be neglected.
On reaching the hut, Lord Derwentwater threw himself into the arm-chair and presently fell asleep. Nor did he awake for some hours.
During this interval, Dame Blacklaw moved about as noiselessly as she could, so as not to disturb him-Cheviot crouched at his feet-and Nathan went on with his work outside; but he left it, ever and anon, for a short space, while he flew to the skirts of the woods to reconnoitre.
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V
How Charles Radclyffe provoked Sir William Lorraine
ABOUT nine o’clock on the same morning, the Newcastle magistrates arrived at the castle. They were attended by certain subordinate officers, armed with sword and pistol, and by a party of horse-militia.
As the gate had been thrown wide open by the porter, they all rode into the court, and the chief persons-three in number-proceeded to the entrance and dismounted.
Among them was Sir William Lorraine, who though he had long ceased to be high sheriff, was still a magistrate. As on the former expedition, Sir William was accompanied by his active agent, Jesmond, who was determined not to be duped on the present occasion. While the magistrates and the others entered the court, Jesmond and his comrade Hedgeley fastened up their horses and proceeded to the garden to look about them.
As may well be supposed, the noise and clatter caused by this large party of horsemen, had brought forth all the servants, and when the magistrates dismounted at the steps, they were met by Newbiggin and two or three others.
In return to their obeisances, Sir William, as the principal magistrate, said in a loud authoritative tone to Newbiggin:
“Conduct us at once to the Earl of Derwentwater. We hold a warrant for his arrest.”
“His lordship is not within,” replied the butler, with formal politeness.
“Where is he?” demanded Sir William. “We must see him.”
“I don’t see how that can be managed, Sir William, seeing that his lordship is in Lancashire,” rejoined Newbiggin.
“In Lancashire!” exclaimed Sir William. “He must have travelled very quickly. I know he was here yesterday.”
“Yes, Sir William, but he intended to ride throughout the night, and I make no doubt he is in Lancashire this morning.”
“Then he has fled?”
“Pardon me, Sir William, he has gone on a visit to some of his Roman Catholic friends.”
“Harkee, sirrah!” cried Mr. Woodburn, another of the magistrates. “Take care how you attempt to deceive us. You will not go unpunished.”
“Perhaps you would like to see her ladyship, gentlemen-or Mr. Charles Radclyffe?” said Mr. Newbiggin.
“It will be necessary to see them both, and to search the house as well,” said Mr. Woodburn.
“You will be good enough to state your wishes to her ladyship, sir,” rejoined the butler. “I dare say she will make no objection. Be pleased to step this way, gentlemen.”
He then conducted them across the hall to the dining-room, where they found Lady Derwentwater, Mr. Charles Radclyffe, and Father Norman at breakfast.
Her ladyship looked very charming in her morning toilette, and seemed in no way discomposed by the entrance of the magistrates. Still holding the cup of chocolate, from which she was sipping, she arose and made them a formal courtesy.
“These gentlemen are Newcastle magistrates, my lady,” said the butler, significantly.