The Leaguer of Lathom by W. Harrison Ainsworth

“But he may want aid in this bold attempt,” observed the governor.

“True,” replied Rosworm. “Captain Radcliffe and Captain Booth must hold themselves in readiness; and as soon as they perceive that Alport Lodge is on fire, must sally forth—each with a party of fifty men—and make for the battery, to render aid in case of need.”

“The plan is excellent, and cannot fail,” said Colonel Holland. “I will go at once, and give the necessary orders to Bradshaw and the others.”

“Impress upon them the necessity of caution,” observed Rosworm. “If the plan is betrayed it is ruined.”

“No imprudence need be feared on their part,” said Colonel Holland. “I may have to consult with you again. Shall I find you here?”

“You will find me in the churchyard, with the marksmen,” replied Rosworm.

The governor then departed on his errand.

“Give me a cup of wine, child,” said Rosworm to his daughter.

“Father,” said Gertrude, as she brought him the wine. “I should like to witness this nocturnal sortie.”

“Thou may’st see it from the church-tower,” he replied. “But there will be nothing visible till the hall is fired.”

“I mean I should like to go with Captain Bradshaw’s party,” she remarked.

“Nonsense,” he cried. “They will run great risk.”

“I do not care for the risk,” she rejoined. “Let me accompany them.”

“Thou art mad to make such a foolish request.”

“Nay, I am quite serious, father!”

“Then I should be more mad to grant it,” he rejoined.

“I will put on male attire,” she said. “I have a doublet that would fit me, and you yourself have taught me how to fire a pistol, and use a sword.”

“But I never meant thee to join in a midnight sortie,” he cried sharply. “Dismiss the notion at once.”

“I have made up my mind to go, father,” she rejoined. “And you know I am very self-willed.”

“Bah! thou art only jesting. If I thought you were in earnest, I would lock you in your chamber.”

“That wouldn’t prevent me from going,” she exclaimed, with a laugh. “I could easily get out of the window.”

“Enough of this,” he cried, rising from his seat. “I know you too well to believe you capable of such folly. Do as you will, I shall not control you.”

“Then you give your consent?”

“Assuredly not,” he rejoined. “If you are really curious to witness the sortie, you can accompany me when I make my rounds. But I ought to mention that a great thanksgiving meeting will be held at the church to-night. Thou hadst best attend it.”

“I will—but I must not lose the sortie.”

“Well! well! thou art wilful, and must be humoured. Go to the Trafford Chapel—on the south side of the nave—thou know’st it—I will come to thee there.”

“At what hour does the service commence?”

“Not till late—but it will be over long before midnight,” he rejoined.

“That is all I wanted to know,” she returned. “You will find me in the Trafford Chapel.”

Her father looked as if he had something more to say by way of caution, but he left it unsaid, and kissing her on the brow, took up his musket, and went forth.

No sooner was he gone than Gertrude went to the door of the kitchen, which was situated at the back of the house, and called out:

“Justine—come here—I want to speak to you.”

The summons was immediately answered by an elderly and decently attired woman, who acted as Rosworm’s housekeeper.

“What think you, Justine?” cried Gertrude, clapping her hands with delight. “At length, I have my wish. My father has promised to take me with him to see the sortie to-night.”

“But not to let you join it,” remarked Justine.

“No, but I may do so, for all that,” said Gertrude, with a singular look.

“I hope not,” observed the housekeeper, in a severe tone. “You quite astound me! A young damsel join a midnight sortie—I never heard of such a thing. Why, you are certain to be killed.”

“Not till I have killed half a dozen of the enemy, Justine.”

“Then, indeed, you would deserve to be shot. But I know your good father won’t allow you to expose yourself to any such risk.”