The Leaguer of Lathom by W. Harrison Ainsworth

“Conduct Captain Standish to the Deansgate barrier, where he will be exchanged for Captain Booth. At the same time, his sword must be restored to him.”

“It shall be done, colonel,” replied Cranage. “Come with me, sir,” he added to Standish.

“Adieu, captain,” said Rosworm. “You have not had a long captivity to endure.”

“Nor has it been disagreeable,” replied Standish, glancing at Gertrude. “I am much beholden both to you and your daughter.”

Formally saluting the governor, and bowing to Rosworm and Gertrude, he went forth with Cranage, who did not like the task imposed upon him, but could not decline it.

Many a scowling look was fixed upon Standish as he passed through the streets with his guard, and many a deep malediction reached his ear.

As usual, crowds were collected in the marketplace, singing hymns, or listening to preachers. The triumphant looks of these persons showed they were exulting in their success.

As the firing from the enemy’s battery had ceased, Deansgate was full of soldiers, but they readily made way for Cranage and his party. On arriving at the barrier, they found Captain Bradshaw, with a guard drawn up beside him. In the midst of the guard were half a dozen Royalists—officers and men.

On the further side of the barrier was Captain Windebank, on horseback, attended by a small party of dragoons. He had brought Captain Booth and Captain Hyde, with five Parliamentary soldiers to be exchanged.

All the prisoners on either side being now assembled, the exchange was promptly effected.

The Republican officers and men were welcomed with shouts, while the Royalists, attended by the escort, marched on to the battery, where they were greeted in like manner by the artillerymen. Here Standish received Captain Windebank’s hearty congratulations on his release.

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XIII

Rosworm proposes to burn Alport Lodge

AFTER Standish had been taken away, Colonel Holland and Rosworm continued for a short time in consultation.

Since they did not retire to the inner room, but remained in the houseplace, Gertrude, who was occupied in some household matters, necessarily overheard their discourse.

“I fear our ammunition may run short,” said the governor. “We have not more powder than will suffice for to-morrow, and the match is nearly exhausted.”

“We must obtain a fresh supply of both from the enemy,” replied Rosworm. “That must be the main object of the sally to be made to-night. We may not be able to carry off any of the cannon from the battery, but we can secure some powder and match.”

“That will be a great help to us,” said the governor. “The supplies we expected from An-coats Hall have been cut off.”

“Hitherto we have done well,” said Rosworm. “But, to-morrow, our good fortune may desert us.”

“I trust not,” said Colonel Holland. “But wherefore these misgivings?”

“I have no misgivings,” replied Rosworm. “I am confident as ever. But I feel certain the Earl of Derby meditates a grand attack, and most probably will put his plan in execution to-morrow—if he be not prevented.”

“How can we prevent him?” asked Colonel Holland.

“By striking a heavy blow to-night,” replied Rosworm. “He tried to burn down the town. We must retaliate.”

“You do not propose to set fire to Salford?” cried the governor. “Such a step would be highly prejudicial to our cause. We have many partisans in the place.”

“No, I do not design to fire Salford,” said Rosworm. “I propose to attack the earl in his head-quarters, and burn down Alport Lodge.”

“That would be a heavy blow, indeed,” rejoined the governor. “But a courageous man is needed to strike it.”

“Captain Bradshaw is the man,” said Rosworm. “I would execute the project myself, but I cannot quit my post. This is my plan: A sortie must take place at midnight. The night will be dark, so that it will favour the design. Bradshaw must sally forth with a party of fifty men, and make his way, as best he can, to the lodge. He may not succeed in passing the sentinels unobserved, but he must try to do so. Should he reach the house, he must throw combustibles into it and into the out-buildings. This done, he must hurry back to attack the battery and seize upon the ammunition.”

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