No sooner were they discovered by the sentinels, than the alarm was given, and several shots were fired against them.
But Chisenhale would not allow his men to return the fire. Hurrying forward as quickly as he could, he spread out his force, and quickly climbing the breastwork, poured a murderous fire into the trenches, killing a great number of the besiegers, and putting the rest to flight.
The fugitives, however, were intercepted by Standish, who had crossed with his men at a point not yet reached by the pioneers, and a sharp conflict ensued.
The Parliamentarians greatly outnumbered their assailants, and ought to have made a stand; but the furious onset of the Royalists proved irresistible.
With loud shouts of “For the king and the Earl of Derby!” they dashed among their opponents, hewing them down, or trampling them under foot.
Half a dozen prisoners were taken, and more than thrice that number of the rebels were killed—but not a single Royalist was wounded.
An hour had not elapsed since the sortie was made, and the victorious Royalists were returning to the castle with a great number of arms—swords, pistols, musquetoons, bandoleers, and match-tubes—a drum and a flag—together with the prisoners previously mentioned.
The triumphant issue of the conflict had been witnessed with great exultation from the towers and ramparts of the mansion, and loud shouts hailed the victors on their return.
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Of the important Prisoner brought in by Standish
NO one was more elated than the countess, though she veiled her satisfaction under a calm exterior.
Quitting the Eagle Tower, she repaired to the court-yard with her daughters and Gertrude, and arrived there just as Chisenhale and Standish entered the gate.
The services of Captain Ogle, who was waiting to cover their retreat, had not been required, but he was first to welcome them back.
By this time the court-yard was thronged. Major Farrington and all the officers not employed in the affair, had assembled to congratulate their friends on their success. The whole place resounded with shouts.
Standish and Chisenhale, with their two lieutenants, lost no time in presenting themselves to the countess, who was stationed near the entrance of the mansion, and received her congratulations and hearty thanks.
“You have indeed rendered me a most important service,” she said; “and though I never doubted your courage and zeal, I scarcely thought it possible you could achieve so much.”
“Our success is mainly owing to the bravery of our followers, who have displayed the greatest gallantry,” said Captain Chisenhale. “They have given the rebels a lesson that will not easily be forgotten.”
“I am proud of both officers and men—and with good reason,” rejoined the countess. “As to you, Captain Standish, you have amply redeemed your promise, and have brought back both arms and prisoners.”
“I have brought with me a far more important prisoner than I ever expected to capture,” replied Standish.
“Indeed!” exclaimed the countess. “Where is he?”
“Yonder, with the others,” replied Standish.
“They are all accoutred alike,” said the countess. “I see no one who appears above the rank of a common soldier.”
“Yet the ablest engineer in the service of the Parliament is amid the group,” rejoined Standish.
“The ablest engineer!” exclaimed the countess in surprise. “That should be Colonel Rosworm. You would not have me understand that he is a prisoner?”
Then calling to Gertrude, who was standing near, she said to her:
“Look at those men. Do you recognise any one of them?”
Gertrude remained silent.
“Is your father there?” pursued the countess. “Be not afraid to speak. No harm shall befall him.”
“After that promise I will avow the truth,” rejoined Gertrude. “He is there, madam.”
“Bring Colonel Rosworm forward that I may question him,” said the countess to Standish.
The injunction was obeyed, and in another moment the prisoner stood before her.
He maintained a very bold demeanour, and signed to his daughter, who would have rushed forward to him, to remain quiet.
“Do I behold Colonel Rosworm?” asked the countess. “If so, I may deem myself singularly fortunate.”
“I am the person you suppose, madam,” replied the prisoner. “I have no desire for concealment. I am certain I shall be honourably treated by your ladyship.”