The soldiers were killed on the walls, and their bodies thrown into the ditch, but that was no more than would have been done at any siege. All the pikemen were killed; but they could not expect a lighter fate. The houses were plundered, but houses had been plundered in every town taken before—both by Roundheads and Cavaliers—at Lancaster, at Preston, at Wigan and Warrington.
It was the indiscriminate slaughter of the in-habitants, after the garrison had surrendered, and when the town was at the entire mercy of the victors, that stamped the assault with the character of a massacre. The ruthless soldiers spared none—old men, women, children.
Four divines were killed—one a venerable man with grey locks, who had stationed himself at the foot of the cross in the market-place, and lifted up his voice to denounce them, had his skull cloven by a dragoon. The streets resounded with the shrieks and groans of the wounded and dying, and the kennels ran with blood.
Neither Rupert nor the earl interposed to check the slaughter. In the market-place, as we have said, the carnage was frightful; and it was here that all the divines we have mentioned were killed.
One of these addressed the earl in words that proved prophetic.
“Thou hast destroyed Bolton,” he said, with his dying breath; “but thou shalt not escape. When brought here to die—as thou shalt be—thou wilt remember this day.”
Standish took as little part as he could help in these dreadful scenes. His soul revolted from them, and he would have shut his eyes if he could to the terrible sights forced upon him.
On Rupert’s entrance into the town he obtained a horse, and feeling sure Rigby would seek safety in flight, his great desire was to prevent him. And he had well nigh succeeded.
Discovering that Rigby had contrived to get out of the town with a small party of horse, and was making all haste he could towards Bury, Standish put himself at the head of a score of dragoons, and galloped after him.
He continued the pursuit for a couple of miles, and might have overtaken the fugitive, if a body of Parliamentarians had not been seen advancing in the opposite direction. These men were no doubt hastening to the relief of Bolton, but were too late. They came, however, in time to rescue Rigby, and escorted him to Bury, while Standish was compelled to return without his expected prize to Bolton.
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VI
How Standish met Rosworm for the last Time
WHEN Standish approached the town, he found Prince Rupert and the Earl of Derby with a squadron of lancers near the Bradshaw Gate. They had just been riding round the walls, and Rupert had given orders that all the colours taken in the assault should be brought to him.
They proved to be twenty-two in number, and all had been displayed at the Leaguer of Lathom.
“What of Rigby?” cried the earl, as Standish came up.
“He has fled to Bury,” replied Standish.
“And left his army to perish! Ignoble dastard!” exclaimed the prince.
“He has baulked my vengeance by flight,” cried the earl, with a look of deep disappointment. “‘Tis well for him he has got away. But we may meet again.”
“Think of him no more!” cried Rupert. “Think of the countess—and how overjoyed she will be at our victory. You must send her word of it without delay.”
“May I bear the message to her ladyship?” cried Standish, eagerly.
“I would fain send you,” observed the earl. “But you must be fatigued.”
“I have strength enough left to reach Lathom,” rejoined Standish. “I pray your lordship not to refuse my request.”
“Let him have his wish,” said the prince. “He is not wanted here. Hark ye, Captain Standish! you shall do more than convey a message to the Countess of Derby from her valiant lord. Commend me heartily to her ladyship, and present these colours to her. Tell her they have just been taken at Bolton.”
“I will gladly obey your highness’s behest,” replied Standish, bowing.
“I have more to say,” pursued the prince. “When I set out from Lathom to besiege this place, I told her ladyship, when my work was done, I would return and feast with her. I shall not forget my promise. She may expect me to-morrow.”