“In a vault beneath the little chapel of the mansion,” replied Standish. “All the garrison mourned for her. The countess, no doubt, will deliver up the body to you, should you desire it.”
“No, I will not disturb her,” said Rosworm. “But we must separate. We are near the camp.”
“Farewell, then!” cried Standish, preparing to dash forward.
“Stay!” cried Rosworm. “You will run great risk of capture. I can help you to pass through the camp,”
Quickening their pace, they were presently challenged by the sentinels, to whom Rosworm called out, upon which they were allowed to pass.
The camp seemed buried in slumber, and was very negligently watched, probably because so many men had been sent to the trenches.
No sentinels were near any of the tents, nor did the party encounter a single patrol.
Rosworm did not quit his friend till he had brought him to the wood that skirted the back of the camp. He then bade him farewell.
“I shall not tarry here,” he said, “since you have induced me to change my design. I have no sympathy with Rigby, and I hope the Earl of Derby may come speedily and raise the siege of his castle.”
He then rode back, while Standish plunged into the wood followed by Linacre.
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XXX
How Standish found Engracia at Knowsley
PERFECTLY well acquainted with the country, Standish had no difficulty in making his way through the wood, nor in traversing the broad moors and avoiding the dangerous morasses that lay between him and his destination. Nor did he meet with any foraging party of the enemy.
It gladdened him, however, to quit this wild and uncultivated district, and enter Knowsley Park, which though sequestered by the Parliament had not been disturbed.
Not knowing whether the house was occupied by the enemy, though he believed they had altogether abandoned it, he proceeded to the stables, and succeeded in rousing a groom, who took charge of the horses, and relieved him of his anxiety as to the Roundheads by telling him they had all gone to the camp at Lathom.
After a time, he obtained admittance to the mansion, and was conducted by a serving-man to a chamber, where he found a large and comfortable bed. Before lying down to slumber, he placed the jewel cases under the pillow.
Captain Standish had been so long accustomed to the garrison reveillé, that not hearing the early beat of the drum, he slept on to a much later hour than usual, and was at last awakened by the entrance of old Randal Fermor, the steward, who had been informed of his arrival by the groom, and came to see what he could do for him.
“Little did I expect to see you here, sir,” said Randal. “I thought you would never have quitted Lathom.”
“Nor should I unless I had a mission to perform for the countess,” replied Standish. “But tell me! Are Don Fortunio and his daughter still here? We have heard nothing of them of late, and the countess has been very anxious for their safety.”
“Yes, they are here,” replied Randal, “and as comfortable as circumstances will permit. Having a warrant from Sir Thomas Fairfax, authorising him to occupy certain apartments in the mansion, Don Fortunio has never been disturbed. For the last month we have not been troubled by the enemy, and the troop of horse that was quartered here has been removed to the Leaguer. Ah! sir, do you think our brave lady will be able to hold out? I am told Colonel Holland has brought large reinforcements from Manchester.”
“That is true,” replied Standish. “But I hope and believe the Earl of Derby himself will come to her aid, and raise the siege.”
“Heaven grant he may!” exclaimed Randal. “Were he to show himself, I am sure hundreds would flock to his standard.”
“Have you heard from his lordship, Randal?” demanded Standish.
“A week ago there came a messenger from Chester, who told me that his lordship had returned, and wished to ascertain whether Knowsley was still occupied by the enemy. I told him as I have just told you, that they have completely evacuated it, and that his lordship could come hither, if he pleased, with safety.”