While they were gazing at this picture, Sir Thomas Fairfax, whom they easily recognised, rode round the intrenchments, followed by a troop of horse. He was attended by Colonel Browne, the chief engineer, and Colonel Morgan, and halted ever and anon to inspect the works.
Several shots were fired at him, and though he escaped, two of his men were killed. He did not seem in the slightest degree disturbed by these occurrences, but continued his inspection quietly, as if nothing had happened.
The countess could not help admiring his coolness and courage, and she was still watching him as he moved on, when Captain Standish made his appearance.
“I have a request to prefer to your ladyship,” he said. “It is that Captain Chisenhale and myself may be permitted to sally forth on the enemy tomorrow morning. The trenches are now nearly opposite the gateway, and we wish to give the pioneers a check. Captain Chisenhale will take with him a hundred musketeers, and I will support him with a dozen horse. Captain Ogle will cover our retreat.”
Before making a reply, the countess glanced at Major Farrington who was standing near.
“‘Tis too hazardous,” he replied. “If twenty or thirty musketeers are left behind in the trenches the loss will be serious to your ladyship.”
“But we shall strike a heavy blow against the enemy, and bring back arms and prisoners,” said Standish. “As yet we have done nothing. ‘Tis time our assailants should be reminded that they have good soldiers to deal with.”
“True,” remarked the countess. “I consent to the attack. I have perfect reliance on you and Captain Chisenhale.”
“We will not disappoint your ladyship,” said Standish.
“I hope you are not too sanguine of success,” said Major Farrington.
“The first blow is half the battle, and we must strike it,” rejoined Standish. “If we are successful—as I believe we shall be—the enemy will be disheartened, and the garrison encouraged. It will gladden Captain Chisenhale to learn that I have obtained your ladyship’s assent to the sally.”
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IX
Of the Sortie made by Captains Chisenhale and Standish
NEXT morning, at an early hour, as previously arranged, both gates of the castle were thrown open, the drawbridge was lowered, and a hundred stalwart musketeers, headed by Captain Chisenhale and Lieutenant Bretergh, suddenly sallied forth. They were quickly followed by Captain Standish and a dozen well-mounted and well-armed troopers.
As soon as the musketeers and troopers had crossed the drawbridge, which they did with great expedition, it was instantly raised, and the outer gate shut.
Meanwhile every precaution had been taken. The cannoniers in the two tall towers, flanking the gate-house, were standing beside their guns with lighted matches in their hands, and the large guard-chamber above the gate was filled with musketeers, with whom were Captain Ogle and Lieutenant Kay.
Indeed, the whole garrison was astir, and there were numerous lookers-on at the sortie, though being concealed in the towers on the walls, they could not be descried by the enemy.
Amongst the watchers was the countess herself. Already she had ascended the Eagle Tower—the only persons with her being Archdeacon Rutter and Gertrude Rosworm.
She had seen the brave band of musketeers assemble noiselessly in the court, where they were marshalled by Captain Chisenhale and his lieutenant, who gave them their final orders. She had seen Standish come forth with his little troop of horse, and thought how well both the men and their leaders looked. She beheld both parties pass through the gates, and for a moment lost sight of them, for they were hidden from view by the towers. Earnestly—most earnestly—did she pray for their success.
Gertrude looked on with equal interest, though feelings of a different kind agitated her breast, and her chief anxiety was for Standish. What would she have given to accompany him. Archdeacon Rutter regarded the sortie more calmly, but even he was deeply interested.
When next the watchers beheld the musketeers, they were marching swiftly, and in a compact body towards the trenches with Captain Chisenhale at their head, and Lieutenant Kay at the rear. Close behind rode Standish with his troop.