“I understand,” she replied. “You have explained that his lordship is not at home?”
“Yes, my lady; but they are not content with my assurance.”
“Your ladyship must be fully aware,” said Sir William, sententiously, “that the Earl of Derwentwater has incurred the suspicion of Government, and will not therefore be surprised to learn that we hold a warrant for his arrest. We cannot depart without him.”
“That implies a doubt as to the truth of the statement you have just heard, that his lordship is not at home,” observed the countess.
“Where her husband’s safety is concerned, a wife may perhaps consider herself justified in duping the authorities,” remarked Sir William. “If I seem to doubt your ladyship’s word, you must excuse me.”
“Then I will say no more, but leave you to take your own course,” she rejoined.
“We will put your ladyship to as little inconvenience as we can,” said Mr. Woodburn. “But we must search the house.”
“Search as much as you please, gentlemen, you will be disappointed” remarked Charles Radclyffe. “I will give you my head if you find Lord Derwentwater here.”
“I know you to be a man of honour, sir,” said Sir William, “and therefore am inclined to believe you.”
“Inclined to believe me, sir!” exclaimed Charles Radclyffe, furiously. “‘Sdeath, sir, you shall believe me, or render an immediate account of your incredulity.”
“If you have a quarrel to arrange, pray step out upon the lawn,” remarked Lady Derwentwater.
“At any other time, I should not refuse Mr. Charles Radclyffe’s challenge,” said Sir William. “But just now I have a duty to perform, and shall not be deterred by an idle threat. I must again express my conviction that Lord Derwentwater is concealed in the house.”
“Then make a careful search, Sir William,” said the countess. “And if you cannot disprove Mr. Charles Radclyffe’s assertion, you are bound to offer him an apology.”
Turning to Father Norman, she added, “Your reverence will be good enough to conduct these gentlemen over the house. Go with them, likewise, Newbiggin.”
“I shall take leave to make one of the party,” said Charles Radclyffe.
Thereupon, they quitted the dining-room, leaving the countess alone.
This was the second time that Sir William Lorraine had made a perquisition of the house, and he was able, therefore, to get through the business with despatch. But he had to brook a great many insolent observations from Charles Radclyffe, who lost no opportunity of provoking him. The search occupied more than an hour, and when it was concluded, and the magistrates were obliged to confess their failure, Charles burst into a contemptuous laugh, and said:
“This is on a par with your great feat at Bamborough, Sir William, which gained you so much reputation in the county, when you were high sheriff.”
“You do well to remind me of the trick played upon me at that time,” said Sir William, greatly exasperated. “I have not forgotten it, though Mr. Forster and some others may wish I had. I think, sir, you will be safest at Newcastle, and since I cannot secure Lord Derwentwater, I will take you with me, and hold you as a hostage for your brother.”
“Do not imagine I will accompany you, Sir William,” said Charles.
“You will have no option,” rejoined the other. “You will be taken as a prisoner.”
“I scarcely think so,” said Charles. “You have no warrant, and I will resist any attempt to arrest me.”
This angry colloquy took place in the hall, and was overheard by several of the servants, who were ready to rush to Charles Radclyffe’s assistance, should he need them.
Just then, Jesmond and Hedgeley came in, and the magistrates called out to them.
Profiting by this interval, Father Norman urged the rash young man to fly, and he yielded to the counsel.
Drawing his sword, he ran along a passage communicating with the terrace. But he was quickly followed both by the magistrates and the officers, and it seemed that a conflict would take place on the terrace, for the servants were likewise hurrying to the same spot.
The windows of the dining-room, in which the countess was still sitting, commanded the scene of action, and hearing a noise she came forward to see what was taking place.