“I had no idea my cousin, the countess, had been so much distressed by these insolent rebels,” he said; “but I promise you she shall be speedily delivered from them. I will do nothing till I have succoured her, and avenged her on her malicious enemies.”
“I thank your highness for these promises which I am sure will be fulfilled,” replied the earl. “Had my noble wife been able to contend with her enemies she would not have asked for assistance. But she fears that the garrison may be reduced by famine.”
“That shall never be,” cried Prince Rupert. “In a few days I shall be before the castle, and we shall then see how long the siege will endure.”
“Again I thank your highness in my wife’s name and my own,” said the earl. “Had I not lost all my men before I retired to the Isle of Man, it would not have been needful for me to apply to you for aid. But your soldiers shall be well rewarded for the service they will render me. I have brought three thousand pounds in gold with me, which I will place in your highness’s hands to be distributed among them when the siege is raised.”
“By my faith! you have done well, cousin, and I thank you heartily,” cried Rupert. “My men want pay as you are well aware, and this will gratify them.”
“It is right your highness should know that the money is the produce of my wife’s jewels,” said the earl. “Your cousin, the countess, therefore, will reward the men.”
“They shall know that,” said the prince; “and they will then comprehend what sacrifices are made for the king. His majesty himself shall know it.”
“After the siege is raised, I make no doubt I shall be able to bring his majesty large bodies of men,” said the earl. “But in the present state of Lancashire, which is now entirely in the hands of the rebels, it is impossible to do so.”
“All that shall speedily be changed,” said Rupert. “I mean to storm Bolton and Wigan.”
“I rejoice to hear it,” said the earl. “With this force neither place will be able to withstand your assault. You mean to enter the county, I conclude, by Stockport Bridge?”
“Such is my design,” replied the prince.
“The pass will be strongly defended,” observed the earl.
“I count upon that,” rejoined the prince. “But if they bring all the force they can muster from Manchester and elsewhere, they will not prevent my entrance. Your lordship must help me. You shall have the command of my cuirassiers.”
“I thank your highness,” replied the earl. “If we do not cut our way through all opposition, it shall not be my fault.”
Knutsford, then but a very small town, afforded poor quarters for so large a force. Tents were therefore pitched in Tatton Park, while Toft Hall, Booth’s Hall, Mere Hall, and several other habitations in the neighbourhood were occupied. The prince and the Earl of Derby, with some of the chief officers, found lodgings at Tabley Hall, the residence of Sir Peter Leicester. Sir Peter, who had suffered much for his loyalty, gave them a hearty welcome, but his house had been recently plundered by the Parliamentary soldiers.
On arriving at Tabley Hall, Lord Derby’s first business was to deliver to the prince the sum of money he had promised him. Rupert smiled as the bags of gold were placed before him by Standish, and after he had transferred them with some private instructions to his paymaster, he said:
“Lord Derby informs me, Captain Standish, that you are about to return to Lathom House and hope to gain an entrance, in spite of the besiegers. Should you succeed in doing so, tell the countess to be of good cheer. I shall shortly come to her succour.”
“Your highness may be sure that no message could give her ladyship greater satisfaction,” replied Standish, “and I hope soon to deliver it. If fortune favours me, I shall see her ladyship to-morrow morn.”
“Good,” rejoined Rupert, approvingly. “Are you alone?”
“I have one attendant with me, your highness.”
“You can depend upon him?” said the prince.