“No,” was the stern answer. “He has retired to rest, and I will not disturb him.”
“He is yonder. I hear his voice.”
And the youth called out a few words in German which evidently reached Rosworm’s quick ears, for he hastened to the spot.
The musketeers could not understand what passed between Rosworm and the stranger, for their discourse was conducted in a language unknown to them; but they were surprised when the great German engineer took the new comer’s horse by the bridle, and led him through the gate into the town, saying to the guard, “It is all right.”
In this manner they proceeded along the main street till they came to a large house, at the entrance of which sentinels were placed. Here they stopped.
The youth dismounted, and giving his horse to one of the sentinels, followed his conductor into the house.
Several Roundhead soldiers made their appearance in the passage, but retired on a word from Rosworm, who ushered the stranger into a large room, dimly lighted by a lamp, where they were quite alone.
No sooner was the door closed, than the engineer affectionately embraced his daughter.
“I ought to chide thee severely for thy conduct,” he said, in a voice in which anger struggled with tenderness; “but I cannot do it. I thought thou hadst left me for ever.”
“Not so, dear father,” she rejoined. “I am always ready to return to you, but I cannot endure these rebels.”
“Then why come here, where thou art in the midst of them?” he asked.
“Because I have something important to say to you,” she rejoined. “Are you content with the mischief you have done to this town?”
“What mean’st thou?” he said. “I shall not be content till I have fulfilled my engagement. I have undertaken to deliver all the towns in Lancashire to the Parliament.”
“I feared as much, dear father,” she rejoined. “But I hope to dissuade you from your cruel purpose.”
“Thou wilt fail,” he said.
“I trust not. You will listen to what I have to say?”
“Humph!” he exclaimed. “It is mere waste of time. I will promise not to assist in any attack on Lathom House—but Warrington is different.”
“I hope you will not be able to take the place,” she cried.
“Indulge no such notion,” he rejoined. “Wigan was more strongly fortified than any other town in Lancashire, and you see how soon it fell. We shall make short work with Warrington.”
“I hope you may be unsuccessful, father,” she said. “And if I am permitted I will fight against you.”
“You will not have the opportunity of doing so, child,” he rejoined. “You will remain here for the present.”
“May I not return to Lathom House?”
“Not till after the capture of Warrington,” he rejoined, in a decided tone. “You should have thought of this before you came hither.”
“Oh, father!” she exclaimed, “I judged you very differently.”
“I detain you against my will,” he said. “But you compel me to act thus by your indiscretion. Were I to let you go, my motives would be misconstrued.”
“If this is your fixed determination, father, I shall try to escape,” she cried.
“Act as you think proper,” he rejoined. “I will not suffer thee to depart.”
“Father,” she implored, “I pray you let me go! Do not drive me to some desperate act.”
Rosworm could not resist her entreaties.
“I ought not to yield,” he said. “But thou hast placed me in a disagreeable dilemma, and perhaps this is the best way out of it. Come, then, I will go with thee to the gate.”
Without another word he left the room, and she followed him.
The horse was instantly brought by the guard, and when Gertrude had gained the saddle, Rosworm walked by her side to the gate.
Thus escorted, no question was asked, and no hindrance offered to her departure.
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V
How Gertrude warned the Earl that Warrington was in danger
Gertrude had failed in her errand. She had found her father impracticable, but she had ascertained that Warrington was to be attacked on the morrow, and resolved to warn the Earl of Derby that the town was in danger. She hastened back as fast as she could to Lathom, and met with no hindrance on the way.