The Leaguer of Lathom by W. Harrison Ainsworth

“Not much,” rejoined Rosworm. “The town is well fortified, and the garrison strong. Besides, assistance will arrive ere long from several neighbouring towns.”

“So you see there is but little hope for us, my child,” said her father, tristfully.

“Alas!” ejaculated Engracia.

“Ay de mi!” cried Maria.

“Do not despair,” said Rosworm. “Colonel Rigby himself will be here presently. Your entreaties may have more effect upon him than my proposition.”

Scarcely were the words uttered than the person referred to made his appearance. As usual, his manner was rude and overbearing. Haughtily saluting Don Fortunio, he said:

“I have come to tell you that I cannot liberate you at present on any terms. But you shall have a lodging in the centre of the town, where you will be safe from injury, in the event of a second assault by the enemy.”

Rosworm glanced at the Spaniard, who understood the meaning of the look, and declined the offer.

“I would rather remain where I am,” he said.

“But I require this house for other purposes,” rejoined Rigby. “So I beg you will prepare for immediate departure.”

Feeling remonstrance would be useless, Don Fortunio did not attempt it.

“I have something to say to you in private, colonel,” said Rigby, signing to Rosworm to follow him.

But before the latter could obey, Captain Bootle burst abruptly into the room. His looks betrayed great anxiety.

“Your presence is needed elsewhere, colonel,” he said to Rigby. “Another assault may be speedily expected. The enemy are moving towards the town.”

“I will come with you instantly,” replied Rigby. “I leave the prisoners in your charge, Colonel Rosworm; keep them here, or take them where you list. When you have seen to the security of the house,” he added, significantly, “join me on the walls.”

Without waiting for a reply, he quitted the room with Captain Bootle.

Wishing to ascertain the truth of the intelligence just brought, Rosworm flew to a room on the other side of the house, which commanded the country on the further side of the fortifications, and perceived that Rupert’s whole force was advancing to renew the attack.

Having thus satisfied himself, he returned to Don Fortunio and told him what he had seen.

“Will you remain here?” he said, “or shall I take you to another lodging. You must decide at once.”

“What will you do, my child?” said Don Fortunio to his daughter.

“Remain here,” she replied.

Just then a strange noise was heard below, and Rosworm went forth to ascertain the cause of it.

On reaching the staircase, he saw that the lower part of the house was entirely filled with armed men, and instantly comprehended what had happened. A party of Royalist musketeers had gained admittance by the subterranean passage.

The alarm must instantly be given, but how? As he rushed back with the intention of flinging open a window, he was followed by an officer who had discovered him.

“Advance at your peril!” cried Rosworm, presenting a pistol at the head of this person, as he was about to enter the room.

But he did not fire, for at that very moment, he perceived that the officer was no other than Captain Standish, and lowered the weapon.

At the same time, exclamations from Don Fortunio and Engracia announced that they had recognised the new-comer.

“Little did I expect to find you here, Colonel Rosworm,” said Standish. “But since chance has brought us together, I am compelled to make you my prisoner. But I will not disarm you.”

“You need not do so, for I shall not resist,” said Rosworm, replacing the pistol in his belt. “But tell me, how did you discover the subterranean passage?”

“It was shown to me by Stephen Marsh, the owner of this house, who brought me here,” replied Standish.

“Ah! the traitor!” exclaimed Rosworm.

“Traitor to Rigby, but friend to Prince Rupert,” replied Standish. “From him I learnt,” he added to Don Fortunio, “that a Spanish gentleman and his daughter, who had been seized by Captain Bootle, were lodged here. Thus I was prepared to find you here, and what is more to liberate you.”

Up to this moment Engracia had been kept motionless by surprise, but she now sprang forward, and was clasped in his arms.

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