“In an affair of this kind, wherein so large a number of men will be concerned, more than one leader will be required,” said Major Farrington. “I therefore propose—with your ladyship’s approval—to divide the party into three squadrons—one squadron to be commanded by Captain Standish, another by Captain Farmer, and the third by Captain Molineux Radcliffe. This will prevent any jealousy.”
“You are right,” said the countess. “And I trust Captain Standish is satisfied with the arrangement.”
“Perfectly,” he replied. “I could desire no better.”
“Each officer can take his own lieutenant,” pursued Major Farrington.
“Mine shall be Bretergh,” cried Standish.
“I propose to make several other arrangements within the mansion,” said Major Farrington. “But before doing so, I desire to consult your ladyship.”
“Let me hear them,” she rejoined.
“First then, at the gates, which must be kept open, and the drawbridge down, I shall station Captain Ogle and a party of musketeers to defend the entrance. Should the enemy approach—though I do not deem it likely—the cannoniers will fire upon them from the towers and gate-house. The sally-port in the postern-tower shall be guarded by Captain Chisenhale with a party of men ready to succour our friends should they need aid. Captain Rawsthorne shall have charge of the musketeers upon the walls, while Captain Foxe shall be posted on the summit of the Eagle Tower, and with a pair of flags signal the movements of the enemy—so that our friends may know when to advance or retire.”
“Your plan seems well considered,” remarked the countess; “and if fully carried out, as I doubt not it will be, cannot fail to be successful. I have always thought that signals might be given from the Eagle Tower. I will be there myself. And you shall attend me, if you will, damsel,” she added to Gertrude.
“Your ladyship could not confer a greater favour upon me,” was the reply.
Soon afterwards, Major Farrington and Standish quitted the countess to make preparations for the proposed sortie.
Though the utmost activity prevailed within the garrison, no sign of it was manifest to the enemy, who began to think the besieged had taken alarm and were meditating a surrender. The besiegers therefore resumed the work they had suspended, and repaired the damage done to the sconce, intending to play the mortar with stones of eighty pounds weight on the following day.
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XVIII
Of the Daring Deeds done by the Cavaliers in the Sortie; and how the New Fort was taken by Standish
At an early hour next day, Captain Foxe having received his orders from Major Farrington, mounted to the summit of the Eagle Tower, accompanied by a soldier bearing a pair of flags.
As soon as he had gained his post he looked around to see whether anything indicated that the enemy suspected the meditated attack. But there was no unusual movement amongst them.
The morning was bright and clear, and he could perceive every object distinctly, without the aid of a spy-glass, though he had one with him.
Four camps were in view, but there was no unwonted stir in any of them. He saw the men assembling in answer to the morning call, and he likewise beheld small parties moving towards the trenches and fortifications to relieve guard. But the numbers were not greater than usual, nor did the besiegers quicken their march.
Satisfied with this distant survey, he next examined the fortifications, that now completely encircled the besieged mansion. No doubt these earth- works and batteries, though ill-provided with cannon, presented a very formidable appearance, and it seemed absolutely necessary for the security of the place that they should be destroyed.
Captain Foxe had just completed his survey, when turning round he perceived Gertrude, and bade her good-morrow.
“I am sent by the countess for information,” she said. “As you are aware, there is to be an early morning service for the officers and men chosen for the attack; and before proceeding to the chapel, her ladyship desired to know if all is quiet without.”
“Her ladyship need have no uneasiness,” rejoined Foxe. “The enemy suspects nothing. We shall take them by surprise—of that I am certain. If you are going to the chapel, I would entreat you to offer up a prayer for me.”