“I will not fail to tell him what your lordship says,” replied Gertrude.
“Methinks, my lord,” said Standish, “since we have obtained this prize, we ought not to part with her. Let her remain with these good folks. Her father ought to pay a heavy ransom. If he wants her, let him come for her.”
“I am quite willing to take charge of her,” said Mistress Bancroft.
“And I will attend upon her,” added Joan.
“Be it so,” said the earl. “You must be content to remain a prisoner for a short time longer, fair damsel,” he added. “But be not alarmed. You are in no danger here.”
“I have no fear, my lord,” she rejoined. “But I pray that my father may be informed that I am in safety.”
“It shall be done,” said the earl. “Captain Standish will deliver your message to him.”
And followed by Standish, he quitted the room.
A troop of horse was drawn up in the farmyard. Giving a paper to Standish, he bade him ride to the town, and present it to the governor.
“A parley has been sounded,” said the earl, “so that admittance to the town will be granted you. The missive is a summons to surrender. Bring back an answer if you can. But I am willing to grant a delay of twelve hours, should it be required, during which truce all acts of hostility must cease on either side.”
CHAPTER XVIII
The Earl of Derby has an Interview with Rosworm
STANDISH then rode towards the town attended by a trumpeter, who blew a loud blast as they approached the Deansgate barrier.
As soon as Captain Bradshaw learnt his errand, he allowed his advance, and sent on a couple of troopers with him to the market-place, where he found Colonel Holland on horseback, with Rosworm.
“I bring your excellency another message from the Earl of Derby,” said Standish. “His lordship summons you once more in the king’s name to surrender the town — to lay down your arms, and deliver them up to him.”
“Aught more?” inquired Colonel Holland, exchanging a look with Rosworm, who smiled sternly.
“He demands that a thousand pounds be delivered to him; and he further requires three hundred muskets, in addition to those which you will give up.”
“We are more likely to demand muskets than to yield up ours,” observed the governor, dryly.
“If his lordship’s demands are agreed to he will raise the siege,” said Standish.
“We shall force him to raise the siege,” remarked Rosworm.
“Then you refuse the terms offered you?” said Standish.
“Peremptorily,” said the governor. “We have no fear of his lordship. We can certainly hold out against him till we are reinforced by the Parliament. Nevertheless, we agree to the proposed truce, and will suspend hostilities for twelve hours. You shall then have our final answer.”
The interview being ended, Standish was about to ride off, but Rosworm stopped him.
“A word with you, sir, ere you depart,” he said. “My daughter is a prisoner — will she be delivered up?”
“I have no authority to make any promise respecting her,” replied Standish. “But I doubt not she will be restored to you to-morrow. Meantime, you may rest assured she will be well cared for.”
“Lord Derby will do an act worthy of his name, by restoring her at once,” observed Rosworm.
“I will tell his lordship what you say; but I can make no promise,” rejoined Standish.
And saluting the governor, he rode off.
It being announced that a short suspension of arms had been agreed upon by both sides, firing entirely ceased, and perfect tranquillity reigned within the town.
But the greatest vigilance was exercised by the besiegers in order to prevent any provisions from being brought into the town, and all the entrances were strictly watched. No supplies could, therefore, be obtained by the inhabitants. But they did not feel uneasy; for although their ammunition was well-nigh exhausted, and their provisions were running low, they believed Heaven would aid them.
As usual, a nocturnal service was held in the Collegiate Church, and it was attended by an immense number of persons. Amongst the congregation was Rosworm, and as he was quitting the building, his eye fell upon a figure in the throng.
The individual in question was a stranger to him, but the countenance was so remarkable, that he could not fail to be struck by it. The attire of the person, and his long dark locks, showed he was not a Roundhead. Yet who could he be? A strange suspicion crossed him that it was the Earl of Derby, but he dismissed the notion as soon as formed, and proceeded to his own dwelling, which we have already mentioned adjoined the church. He had reached the door, and was about to enter, when the mysterious individual, who must have followed him at a distance, came up.
“Can I have a few words with you, Colonel Rosworm?” said the person.
Rosworm answered in the affirmative, and as soon as the stranger had entered, he barred the door.
A lamp was burning on the table, and taking it up, he threw its light on a stately figure. He could not doubt that the Earl of Derby stood before him.
“My lord,” he said, “you have done rashly in entering the town in this fashion.”
“I have no fear that you will betray me,” rejoined the earl — for it was he.
“Hum!” cried Rosworm. “Your lordship has voluntarily placed yourself in my hands. I should not be doing my duty were I to allow you to depart.”
“You will not hinder me,” said the earl.
“Wherefore not, my lord?” rejoined Rosworm.
“Because a promise has been given me,” said the earl.
“By whom?” demanded Rosworm.
“By me,” responded Gertrude, rushing from the inner room, and throwing herself into his arms.
For a few moments emotion kept Rosworm silent. He then asked:
“Didst thou bring Lord Derby here?”
“I did, father,” she replied. “I enabled him to enter the town, and brought him to this house. Moreover, I promised him in your name that he should return in safety.”
Rosworm made no remark, and she went on.
“I could not do otherwise, since his lordship desired it. He had set me free.”
“I wished to have some talk with you,” said the earl, “and took this means of obtaining my wish.”
“My lord,” said Rosworm, gravely, “if you design to make any proposition to me, understand that I cannot listen to it.”
“I do not wish to shake your fidelity,” said the earl. “But this siege cannot last long. When it is over, will you enter into my service? You know Lathom House?”
“I have heard of it, my lord. ’Tis a strong place.”
“I mean to garrison it for the king,” said the earl. “Will you aid the Countess of Derby to defend it? I will make it worth your while to do so.”
For a few minutes Rosworm made no reply, and seemed debating the matter within himself.
“Accept the offer, I entreat you, father!” said Gertrude.
“I do not wish you to desert your present post,” said the Earl of Derby. “If I understand aright, you have not a permanent engagement with the Governor of Manchester.”
“Your lordship has been correctly informed,” rejoined Rosworm.
“When this siege is ended, you will be free?” pursued the earl.
“I shall, my lord,” replied Rosworm.
“Then you can join with me?” said Lord Derby.
“The Manchester men might calumniate me, and say that I had been bought,” rejoined Rosworm.
“Heed them not!” cried Gertrude. “You will have fully discharged your engagement to them.”
“Not till then do I ask you to join me,” said the earl. “I recognise the honourable principles by which you are actuated.”
“My lord,” said Rosworm, “I am a mercenary soldier, but I am, also, a man of honour. If the Manchester men desire to retain me, I shall continue with them. If not, I will come to your lordship. I can make n
o other promise.”
“I must own that I am grievously disappointed,” observed the earl. “I persuaded myself you would be proud to serve the Countess of Derby.”
“The countess, I know, is one of the noblest ladies in the land,” rejoined Rosworm; “and her courage, I doubt not, is equal to her high rank — but I must abide by my engagement.”
“Enough!” cried the earl. “I deem your scruples idle — but will say no more. I am sorry on your account, fair damsel,” he added to Gertrude. “The countess would have been glad to have you with her.”
“And I should have been delighted to serve her ladyship,” cried Gertrude, eagerly.
“You shall do so, if your father will part with you,” said the earl.
“May I accept the offer, father?” cried Gertrude, imploringly.
“E’en as thou wilt,” rejoined Rosworm. “I will not hinder thee.”
“Then come to Lathom when this siege is ended,” said the earl. “Perchance, your father may bring you.”
“I hope so, my lord,” she replied.
“I make no promise,” said Rosworm. “But I repeat thou art free to do as thou wilt.”
“Are you in earnest, father?” she asked.
“Quite in earnest,” he replied. “You have my full consent to the step.”
“Then we shall expect you at Lathom ere long,” said the earl.
“I will come, my lord, joyfully,” she replied.
“My business here is done,” said the earl. “Colonl Rosworm, you must see me safely out of the town.”
“I will, my lord,” replied the other. “’Tis lucky the night is dark. But you had best pull your hat over your brows, and hide your face with your cloak, or you may be discovered. I am ready to attend your lordship,” he added, unbarring the door.
“Good-night, fair damsel,” said the earl. “Our next meeting will be at Lathom.”
And he quitted the house with Rosworm.
CHAPTER XIX
How Rosworm got the Earl out of the Town
IT wanted but an hour of midnight as Rosworm and the earl sallied forth, and the street was almost deserted at that time.
Crossing the churchyard, they proceeded along Cateaton-street, and had reached Smithy Door, when they encountered a patrol. It consisted of a dozen men belonging to the town-guard, and was headed by Captain Cranage, who commanded them to halt in a loud authoritative tone.
Rosworm immediately gave the counter-sign, but Cranage did not appear entirely satisfied, and turning to Lord Derby demanded his name.
The earl made no reply, whereupon Rosworm interposed, and said:
“‘T is sufficient he is with me.”
“I do not like his appearance,” said Cranage. “He must give an account of himself to the governor. Come with me,” he added to the earl.
Lord Derby, however, did not move, and the order being repeated, he put his hand to his sword.
The action did not pass unnoticed by Cranage, who ordered two of his men to seize him and bring him along.
“Off!” cried the earl, fiercely, as they advanced to execute the order. “You will touch me at your peril.”
Rosworm now deemed it necessary to interpose.
“Meddle not with him,” he said. “I will answer for him.”
“He has the appearance of a malignant,” said Cranage. “If he is a Parliamentarian he will not object to come before the governor.”
“It is needless, I tell you,” cried Rosworm. “I have already said I will answer for him. Would you set up your authority against mine? Stand aside, and let us pass.”
Cranage did not venture to offer any further resistance, for he feared he might be reprimanded by the governor. He therefore allowed Rosworm and his companion to proceed; but when they had got to a certain distance, he quitted his men and followed them.
He saw them proceed to Saint Mary’s Gate, and fancied they halted near the conduit, but on arriving at this spot he could see nothing of them. No one was near who could give him any information.
He hurried to the end of Market-street Lane, and then to Deansgate, but seeing nothing of them in either thoroughfare, he mounted the walls, and addressing a sentinel, asked whether he had seen Colonel Rosworm?
“He was here not five minutes ago,” replied the man. “He was making his rounds, and came from Deansgate.”
“Was he alone?” inquired Cranage, eagerly.
“I cannot tell,” rejoined the sentinel. “I thought I saw some one with him at a distance. But if it were so, the person must have left him suddenly.”
“He has escaped,” muttered Cranage. “I believe it to be the Earl of Derby himself!”
CHAPTER XX
How the Siege was Raised by Command of the King
NEXT day, a council of war was held by Lord Derby and the chief Royalist gentlemen at Hulme Hall, the seat of Mr. Thomas Prestwich.
At this meeting, Lord Molineux and Sir John Girlington assisted, and it was unanimously resolved that, if the terms offered should be refused by Colonel Holland and the Parliament officers, the siege should be vigorously carried on.
Sir Thomas Tyldesley thought it would be better to burn down the town without delay than allow the garrison to wait for the reinforcements, and in this proposition the majority of the council entirely concurred.
Every preparation, therefore, was made for the renewal of hostilities at the expiration of the armistice, in case the conditions offered by Lord Derby should be rejected. A council was likewise held by the Parliamentarians, in which the only voice in favour of peace was Colonel Holland’s, but he was overruled, the militia and townsfolk declaring they would rather shed their last drop of blood than deliver up the town.
An early morning service took place in the Collegiate Church, and a sermon was preached by Warden Heyrick. Discourses were likewise delivered in various parts of the town by the different ministers, and hymns sung. In this manner the ardour of the townspeople was greatly inflamed, and no one would hear of a surrender.
When the hour arrived for the delivery of the answer, Colonel Holland rode forth from Deansgate attended by Captains Radcliffe, Bradshaw, and Booth, and followed by a company of well-mounted and well-armed horsemen.
They were watched by a great number of the townsfolk, men and women, who were collected on the walls facing Alport Park, and by Rosworm and his daughter from the summit of the church-tower.
About a bow-shot from the gate was stationed the Earl of Derby, completely armed, and mounted on a noble charger. His lordship was closely attended by Frank Standish, and at a little distance were Sir Thomas Tyldesley, Sir Alexander Radcliffe, Sir Edward Mosley, and Mr. Prestwich.
Behind was drawn up the whole of the Royalist cavalry and dragoons — each troop having a captain — and yet further on were the foot soldiers, altogether forming a splendid sight.
At the battery behind the trench recently digged in front of Deansgate, cannon was planted, and the artillerymen were in readiness. Everything betokened that a grand attack could at once be made upon the town, if necessary.
On the other hand, though little display was made, no preparations for the defence had been neglected by Rosworm.
On Colonel Holland’s approach Lord Derby rode forward to meet him, and courteous salutations passed between them. After they had exchanged a few words, the earl said:
“I hope my offer can be accepted, colonel, and that we shall be able to come to an amicable understanding.”
“I fear not, my lord,” replied the governor, assuming a grave expression. “I am as anxious as your lordship can be that the effusion of blood should be stayed, and that the horrors of a civil war should be avoided, but this can only be accomplished in one way, and it does not rest with us. Hitherto, Heaven has fought on our side, so that we have been able to resist every attack made upon us. It is idle, therefore, to suppose we shall surrender the town while we are able to keep it. The siege must be raised by your lordship, if peace is to be made between us.”<
br />
“Never will I raise the siege, colonel,” rejoined Lord Derby firmly, “unless by his majesty’s express command. The bloody strife must, therefore, continue. But be not too confident that you can maintain the town. That I have underrated your strength I freely admit — but in concluding you can hold out you are equally mistaken.”
“We can hold out till we are relieved, my lord,” said the governor. “Reinforcements are certain to be sent us by the Parliament.”
“But they may be cut off,” rejoined the earl. “Prince Rupert will take care they do not reach you.”
“We have little apprehension on that score, my lord,” said the governor. “Prince Rupert will be wanted by the king.”
“Then all my attempts at pacification are vain,” said the earl. “In an hour I shall recommence the attack. Be not surprised if we should visit the town to- night.”
“In that case I must prepare for your lordship’s reception,” rejoined the governor.
And courteously saluting the earl, he rode back to the town with his companions.
Scarcely was he gone when Sir Thomas Tyldes-ley informed the earl that a messenger had just arrived from the king.
“’Tis Captain Galliard,” said Sir Thomas; “he has brought this letter for your lordship.”
Lord Derby hastily opened the despatch, and glanced at its contents.
In spite of his habitual self-command, he could not conceal his annoyance.
“Your lordship looks disturbed,” said Sir Thomas; “I hope you have not received bad news?”
“So bad that I scarcely like to mention them, Sir Thomas,” replied the earl. “His majesty has commanded me to raise the siege, and return to Warrington without delay.”
“But you will not obey the injunction, my lord,” said Tyldesley.
Lord Derby made no reply, but desired to speak with the messenger, whereupon Captain Galliard came forward.
“Are you acquainted with the contents of this despatch, sir?” asked the earl.
The Works of William Harrison Ainsworth Page 761
