In this manner the besiegers were harassed throughout the entire day, and at night they were alarmed by a fresh sortie conducted by Captain Chisenhale and Captain Ogle.
Though this sortie was on a small scale, and intended merely as an alarm, it was very well carried out, and produced a singular result.
Reinforcements had just been sent to the trenches by Rigby, and the new-comers, perplexed by the shouts and cries which were heard on all sides, fired upon their friends, whom they mistook for foes, and killed several of them. As in the morning, the Royalists escaped without the loss of a man.
These repeated disasters produced the natural effect. The besiegers lost spirit, and fought badly, and it was evident they would go on still worse, if something was not done to rouse them.
A council of war was therefore held in the camp, at which Sir Thomas Fairfax and the three commanders were present.
Rigby, whose rage had not yet subsided, and who considered himself aggrieved by the want of attention paid him by the general, was very anxious that the mansion should be assaulted, but Fairfax would not listen to the proposition.
“I have reason to believe that the place is much stronger than we thought,” he said, “and that an assault would be very hazardous. I shall therefore persist in my plan of reducing it by siege. This is slow but sure, whereas if we should be repulsed in an assault, the whole county will ring with the news, hundreds of malignants, who now dare not show their heads, will come here, and immense service will consequently be done to the royal cause.”
“Should the attack prove unsuccessful, I grant that such would be the case,” replied Rigby; “and I know Rosworm is averse to an assault, but I do not think there is any risk, and this slow siege disheartens our men. These last successes of the enemy have greatly disheartened them.”
“Hitherto, we have been very unlucky, it must be owned, and have succeeded in none of our designs,” observed Colonel Assheton. “Our miners have not yet been able to get under the moat, and the scheme to drain the springs on the south-east of the castle that supply the deep well inside has totally failed.”
“We must employ another plan, and drain the well itself,” said Colonel Moore. “I believe that can be accomplished.”
“No doubt,” said Fairfax; “and although we have met with many more obstructions in our work than might have been expected, we have made good progress. We have cut off all supplies from without. No fresh provisions have been obtained by the garrison, and as their stores will soon run short, they must submit or starve.”
“The prisoners last exchanged declare they have plenty of provisions, and can hold out for a couple of months longer,” remarked Rigby.
“It is the countess’s policy to make it appear so,” observed Fairfax. “But it is not possible the garrison can be so well stored.”
“A contrary opinion prevails,” remarked Rigby. “But I do not think their sallying parties have succeeded in procuring any fresh provisions, and none can have been introduced in any other way.”
“You are sure of that?” said Fairfax.
“I am sure of it,” replied Rigby. “Since I took possession of that stand in the park and the windmill neither meat nor flour can have been carried in without our knowledge.”
“Then you may be sure the end is not far off,” said Fairfax. “The Earl of Derby would never have asked for a free passage for his wife and children had he believed the garrison could long hold out.”
“But her ladyship’s bold answer seems to have undeceived him, since he now refuses to treat for a surrender,” rejoined Rigby.
“I attach little importance to that,” said Fairfax. “He well knows her ladyship will be honourably treated. As you say that our men are dispirited by their ill success, and they may haply deem that our undertaking is not approved by Heaven, to-morrow shall be observed as a day of fasting and prayer, and our ministers shall be enjoined to implore Divine assistance in our behalf.”