They had come there, after witnessing the completion of the barricade at which the earl had assisted, and contemplated the scene with extraordinary interest.
From this spot they could clearly distinguish the movements of the enemy. They saw General Wills issue from the Wigan lane with his infantry and cavalry, and draw up in the fields to survey the town, and they could not help contrasting the appearance of the king’s soldiers with that of their own undisciplined troops.
After a time, they saw two brigades of horse and dragoons move off towards the other side of the town, and though these troops soon disappeared, the object of the movement was clear.
An attack was about to be made on the Lancaster avenue. Nor could it be doubted that a simultaneous attack would be made on the south by the forces left behind.
This conviction sent a thrill of terror through the breasts of the two lookers-on. But they were reassured when they perceived that both streets were now very strongly guarded-that the trenches were completed and cannon mounted on the barricades-that not only were troops thickly planted at the barriers, but the roofs and windows of all the houses were occupied by Highlanders and other soldiers-that the churchyard, which was almost opposite them, was full of troops-showing that if the enemy was ready to make the attack, their friends were prepared for a gallant defence.
Nor was this all. Looking towards the Broadway at the back of the garden, they could descry the barricade commanded by Lord Charles Murray, and saw that it was guarded by a large party of Highlanders, while the advanced guard of Northumbrian gentlemen, commanded by Captain Wogan, could likewise be seen posted at the end of a narrow street at the left.
In a word, all the approaches, so far as discernible, seemed well protected. The access to the market-place from Church-street was blocked up by cavalry.
Nor could they entertain any doubt that the preparations on the other side of the town were equally efficient. They felt sure that the Lancaster avenue would be well guarded by Colonel Mackintosh and the Clan Chattan. The spectacle thus presented to their gaze dispelled any misgivings, and filled them with ardour.
At this juncture Lord Derwentwater appeared on the roof, attended by Father Norman and Newbiggin.
“You must quit this place immediately,” he said. “The attack is about to commence. Father Norman and Newbiggin will take you to the town-hall, where you will be safe.”
“We shall see nothing at the town-hall,” said the countess. “I don’t think we are in the least danger here.”
“You cannot remain,” said the earl. “The lower part of the house is occupied by Captain Innes with a party of Highlanders, and when the attack commences, some of them will come to the roof.”
“Let us stay till then,” entreated Dorothy. “We must see the commencement of the attack.”
“I will not stir from the post at present,” said the countess.
“I shall never forgive myself if any disaster occurs,” said the earl. “I ought not to have consented to your remaining here so long. Why did you not yield to my entreaties? Had you set out yesterday, you would now be far on the road to Dilston.”
“You must blame me more than the countess, my lord,” said Dorothy. “I besought her to stay, and she yielded to my request.”
“Commit no further errors,” said Father Norman. “Quit this dangerous position immediately, and repair to the town-hall as suggested by his lordship.”
“Must we really go?” said the countess, with an appealing look to the earl. “Do let us stay for a few minutes longer!”
“Well, I consent,” he replied. “But only on the condition that you depart when Father Norman deems it prudent to do so. I commit them to your care, father.”
“Be sure I will watch over them, my son,” replied the priest.
“Newbiggin, I need not give any commands to you,” said the earl. “You will attend to your lady and Miss Forster.”
“With my life,” replied the butler.
Scarcely had the earl taken his departure than Mrs. Scarisbrick made her appearance on the roof, and took up her station by the other ladies.