“Your ladyship has just got down in time,” observed Major Farrington. “That shall be the last stroke of Rigby’s malice.”
And he made good his word. The culverin did not fire another shot, both engineers being killed.
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XXII
How a Summons was sent by Rigby to the Countess to yield up the Castle and sue for Mercy to the Parliament; and of the Answer she returned
THAT night it was very dark and well adapted for a sortie, but as the officers were not allowed to sally forth in consequence of the scarcity of powder, they resorted to a device to annoy the enemy, that proved perfectly successful.
Balls of clay, furnished with a lighted match, such as were used by the musketeers, were flung from the ramparts towards the enemy’s works, and quickly attracted the attention of the sentries, who thought an assailing party was at hand.
The alarm was instantly given. Drums were beaten, and shortly afterwards, muskets and periers were fired in the direction of the lights.
For a short time this went on, to the great delight of the spectators on the ramparts, when the besiegers finding the lights continue motionless, suddenly ceased firing. Shouts of laughter from the ramparts explained the trick played upon them.
Next morning the besiegers began to shout loudly in their turn, being evidently desirous of attracting the attention of Major Farrington and the officers of the garrison to a fresh stock of grenadoes and bombs that had just arrived at the works. These they displayed ostentatiously, and pointing significantly to the fort in which the mortar was placed, vociferated at the top of their voices:
“We will soon send you some of them.”
Burning with rage, the men would fain have responded to these insults with their guns, but were forbidden to fire.
But the sight of the grenadoes made Major Farrington feel very anxious, and he had a long conference with the countess, during which he represented to her, without any attempt at disguise, the extreme danger to be apprehended from a shower of these terrible projectiles.
Two other persons only were present at the conference. These were Archdeacon Rutter and Captain Standish, but though deeply interested, they offered no opinion.
“The time has arrived,” said the countess, after some minutes’ reflection, “when a heavy blow must be struck against the enemy. At any risk—at any cost—we must deprive him of that mortar.”
“Unquestionably, that would be the heaviest blow that could be dealt him,” rejoined Farrington. “But I doubt if it can be accomplished.”
“I have no such doubt,” said the countess, in a determined tone. “But be the result what it may, the attempt shall be made, and without delay. How say you, Captain Standish?” she added, to him. “Are there not officers and men within the garrison willing to undertake this perilous task?”
“Assuredly, madam,” he rejoined. “There is not an officer or man in the garrison who would refuse to execute any command given him by your ladyship. The more hazardous the task, the better he would like it.”
“I spoke not of zeal or courage,” said Major Farrington; “but I fear that the bravest and most devoted men will find it impossible to remove that mortar.”
“It must be brought away,” said the countess.
“It shall be, madam,” rejoined Standish. “Some plan shall be devised for its removal, of which Major Farrington himself will approve.”
“I am glad to find you are so sanguine,” observed the countess. “But I repeat there must be no delay. The plan must be executed forthwith.”
Just then, Captain Chisenhale entered, and informed the countess that a trumpeter was at the gate, and brought her ladyship a letter from Colonel Rigby.
“From Rigby!” she exclaimed. “How dares he write to me? Send back the messenger.”
“Let me counsel your ladyship to hear what he has to say,” remarked Archdeacon Rutter. “You cannot then reproach yourself hereafter.”
“That is good advice,” she rejoined. “I will see him. Let the man come to the parade. I will read the letter publicly, that all who list, may hear my answer.”
“With your ladyship’s permission, I will make that known,” said Captain Chisenhale.