“He brought me safely through the trenches, your highness, so I think he will take me back.”
“The man may be trusted,” observed the earl. “He conveyed a letter to the countess from Chester. I shall not write to her now. Your highness’s message will suffice. When she learns that relief is at hand, she will be perfectly content.”
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II
How Standish returned to Lathom House, but stayed to sup at Knowsley on the Way thither
EVENING was coming on, when Standish, attended by Linacre, set out from Tabley Hall.
On his way to Daresbury, whither he speeded, he encountered several foraging parties, but as they belonged to Prince Rupert’s army, they did not molest him.
From Daresbury he galloped on to the ferry that had served his turn in the morning, crossed the Mersey to Penketh, and went on at the same rapid pace to Prescot. His intention was to halt at Knowsley, and he hoped to reach the house before its inmates had retired to rest.
He succeeded in his design, and astonished Don Fortunio and Engracia by his unexpected appearance in the great banqueting-hall. Engracia uttered a cry when she beheld him.
“Is it possible you can have returned so soon?” she said. “You gave us no hopes of seeing you again.”
“I had no expectation of returning immediately when I left you,” he replied. “But I have tidings that will delight you. Prince Rupert is coming with a large force to the countess’s relief. I have seen him, and am on the way to Lathom with a message from his highness.”
And he hastily recounted all that had occurred. They listened with the greatest satisfaction to his narration, and so did Randal Fermor, who was present at the time.
“You must be fatigued by your long ride, sir,” said the old steward, filling a goblet with wine, and presenting it to him.
“Touch the cup with your lips ere I drink, I pray you, fair damsel,” said Standish.
She complied, exclaiming at the same time: “To the countess’s speedy deliverance.”
While Standish emptied the goblet, Don Fortunio likewise drank the same toast, and as it was now quite evident that the young man stood in need of some refreshment, the steward pressed him to sit down at the table, at the same time placing part of a cold fowl before him.
To bear him company, Don Fortunio, who had finished supper, began again, and even Engracia ate a little more. But while thus taking care of himself he was not unmindful of his attendant, but sent Randal to look after Linacre and the horses.
Having rested sufficiently, and renovated his strength by a good supper, Standish took leave of his friends, and again set forth on his perilous journey.
The night was dark, but he rode swiftly through the park with his attendant, crossed the moors safely, and entered the wood beyond which lay the camp of the enemy. Here he halted for awhile to consult with his attendant.
The greatest caution was now required. Linacre thought they might be able to steal through the camp unperceived, but if the alarm should be given, they must trust to the swiftness of their horses.
At length, they issued from the wood, peering through the gloom, and listening anxiously for any sound, but they had not proceeded far when they were challenged by a sentinel whom they had not been able to distinguish in the gloom.
As they made no answer the man fired, upon which they dashed on, determined at all hazards to pass through the camp. But the alarm had been given, drums were beaten, and several more shots fired.
Linacre displayed great skill in avoiding the danger. At his earnest request he was allowed to take the lead, and it was well that Standish consented to his guidance, as by the various turns he made, he completely perplexed the enemy, and caused them to fire upon one another.
At last, Standish and his attendant cleared the camp, and without hurt or hindrance to themselves or their steeds; but other sentinels had to be passed. They freed themselves from the first who challenged them by shooting him, and then galloped towards the trenches. They were next pursued by a mounted guard, who shouted to them to stop, and fired at them when they refused, and the pursuit continued till they reached the fortifications.
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