“In an attack on the Deansgate barrier,” he replied. “My horse was shot under me, and I received a thrust from a pike ere I could rise. For a moment I thought all was over with me.”
“Would I had been there to help you!” she exclaimed.
“I wish you had,” he rejoined. “I met with bad usage. Although I had surrendered, the leader of the town-guard, Captain Cranage, would have cut me down, if Captain Bradshaw had not prevented him.”
“That was a base act,” she cried. “I do not like these Roundheads, but their cause is just.”
“Do not mistake,” cried Standish. “Their cause is not just. They are rebels, and have thrown the whole kingdom into confusion. It grieves me to think that your father has joined with them. Ah! there the psalm-singing knaves are at work again,” he added, as voices were heard outside singing a hymn.
As the hymn ceased, the door opened, and the stalwart figure of Captain Cranage was seen.
“That is the man who would have slain me when I had surrendered,” remarked Standish.
“What do I behold?” cried Cranage. “Has a Papist and a malignant taken refuge here. My men shall drag him forth, and put him to death.”
“I will resist!” cried Standish, springing to his feet.
Then recollecting that he was disabled, and without a sword, he looked confounded.
“He must not be molested,” interposed Gertrude. “My father has sent him.”
“This is the second time since I have surrendered that you have threatened to take my life,” said Standish. “I am a prisoner on parole.”
“Thou hast richly deserved death,” said Cranage; “and had I been in command at the Deansgate barrier, thou shouldst have died. Thou wert present when the houses were set on fire.”
“What of that?” cried Gertrude. “The men had received their orders from Lord Derby. Did you think this officer would prevent them?”
“I know not,” said Cranage. “But since you plead for him, fair damsel, I will spare him.”
“I would not owe my life to thee,” said Standish, contemptuously.
“If you take him hence, you will greatly offend my father,” remarked Gertrude.
“Then I will abide his coming,” said Cranage, seating himself. “Give me a cup of wine, I pray you, fair damsel. I have had much hard work, and would fain recruit my forces.”
Gertrude again repaired to the cupboard and set a flask before him.
“I drink to your health, fair damsel,” he said, eyeing her tenderly as he filled his glass. “You are aware that we have gained a complete victory over the malignants. We have beaten them off in every attack, and their cannon have not done us any hurt.”
“It is not well to exult,” said Gertrude. “The fight is not over yet.”
“The Lord is with us, therefore we cannot fail,” said Cranage. “Ere many days, the town will be delivered from the enemy.”
“Should it be so, it will have been preserved by Colonel Rosworm alone,” said Standish. “To him the entire credit of the defence is due.”
“Humph!” exclaimed Cranage. “Methinks we have done our part.”
And he was proceeding with some further self-laudation, when Rosworm himself came in, accompanied by Colonel Holland.
Standish bowed to the governor, who courteously returned the salutation.
“I have some intelligence that will be satisfactory to you, Captain Standish,” he said. “The Earl of Derby has just sent an officer to propose an exchange of prisoners. I have agreed to the proposition. You will, therefore, be exchanged for Captain Booth, who was captured in a sally that he made yesterday.
“I rejoice to hear it, colonel,” replied Standish. “I have been very well treated since I have fallen into your hands—still I shall be glad to get back.”
“You will be able to inform Lord Derby as to our condition,” said the governor.
“I shall give his lordship a correct report, rest assured, colonel,” replied Standish.
“That is all I desire,” said the governor. “Captain Cranage,” he continued, turning to that personage, who had risen on his entrance, “I notice that you have a small party of men outside.”
“I have, colonel,” replied the other. “Have you any orders?”