Meanwhile, the firing had been heard by the musketeers on the ramparts, and suspecting what was taking place, Captain Chisenhale, who had a party of men in readiness, instantly sallied forth from the postern-gate, and fired a volley at the nearest battery.
This was done to distract the enemy’s attention, and proved completely successful, while it served to direct Standish and his attendant in their course, and they now made for that part of the trenches which was nearest the gateway.
But their pursuers were not far behind, and shouted to their comrades to stop them, but the cries were unheard. The fugitives got through the trenches, killing three men who sought to check them, and though pursued to the last, crossed the drawbridge in safety, and entered the gateway.
“Has the countess retired to rest?” asked Standish, as he rode into the court.
“Her ladyship is in the chapel,” replied Captain Ogle, to whom the inquiry was addressed. “She has ordered a special service to-night.”
“Come with me thither,” cried Standish, leaping from his steed. “I have news you will be glad to hear.”
When they reached the chapel, the service was just finished, and the soldiers who had attended it were coming forth.
Standish ordered them to wait outside, and entering the little fane, met the countess and Arch-deacon Rutter.
She was greatly surprised, but had not time to question him, ere he spoke.
“I bring a message to your ladyship from Prince Rupert,” he said. “His highness is coming to succour you. You may expect him ere many days.”
“Heaven, then, has heard my prayers,” she exclaimed.
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III
How Stockport Bridge was defended by Colonels Duckenfield and Mainwaring, and how it was taken by Prince Rupert and the Earl of Derby
THE tidings brought by Standish that Prince Rupert and the Earl of Derby were marching to succour the countess quickly spread through the garrison, and caused so much excitement, that the musketeers were with difficulty prevented from shouting out to the enemy.
The countess, however, gave the strictest orders that no manifestation whatever should be made, and her injunctions were enforced by Major Farrington and the officers.
Standish had explained to her ladyship that the prince and the earl meant to enter Lancashire by Stockport Bridge, which was certain to be defended by a strong force of the enemy, and that till this pass was won, she must not reckon upon the immediate appearance of her deliverers.
The well-judging lady was of the same opinion, and though she had no apprehension of the result of the conflict which she felt must ensue at Stockport, she would not allow any precautions to be neglected.
“On the contrary we must be more vigilant than ever,” she said, “lest the enemy should make a last attempt to assault the castle before they are forced to abandon the siege.”
“My counsel is that we should make another grand sortie,” said Major Farrington, “and if we can, drive the enemy from the trenches, before our friends arrive, so that the honour may rest—as it should do—with your ladyship.”
“I am quite satisfied with what I have done,” she replied. “I do not desire to expose my brave soldiers and their officers to heedless risk.”
“I beseech your ladyship not to think of us,” observed Standish. “We all long to punish the enemy, and shall be grievously disappointed if we have not another opportunity of doing so. Besides, there is nothing to fear. In the numerous sorties we have made our losses have been trifling.”
“That is true,” replied the countess. “Heaven has fought with us. My brave soldiers shall not be deprived of the honour they covet. If the prince and my lord arrive not here in three days, another sortie shall be made.”
“Why should it not be made to-night, madam?” said Standish.
“No—that must not be,” she replied. “Were any disaster to occur, my lord would blame me.”
Standish said no more, though he felt mortified by her ladyship’s refusal.
A strong sense of disappointment pervaded both officers and men that they were not to be allowed a last chance of punishing the detested foe, but they repressed the feeling as well as they could, and only displayed it by picking off a man now and then on the batteries.