He would have ridden on, but Captain Gordon stopped him, and led him to the earl. It appeared that he had left Wigan early in the morning, and brought very important intelligence. General Wills was undoubtedly there, and, having been joined by six more regiments of dragoons on the preceding evening, it was certain he would make immediate arrangements to attack the insurgents, so that they must be prepared for him. On receiving this intelligence, the earl at once returned to the town, and proceeded to General Forster's quarters, but could not see him, as the general had not yet risen, being much fatigued by the ball. Instigated by the countess and Dorothy, the earl determined to take all the responsibility upon himself, and ordered Charles Radclyffe to take his regiment to defend Ribble Bridge. But before the order could be obeyed, Forster appeared and countermanded it. “It seems to me,” said the general, “that my authority is set at naught. A man has been shot as a spy by Brigadier Mackintosh without consulting me, and now orders are given that a guard shall advance towards Wigan. I suppose the next order will be that the whole army shall get ready to march.” “It ought to be,” said Dorothy. “You are loitering here far too long, and will be surprised by the enemy. Are you aware that General Wills has just been joined by several more regiments?” “I do not believe a word of it,” rejoined Forster. “Had such been the case, I should certainly have been informed of it.” “But a scout has just returned from Wigan,” cried the countess. “We have seen him, and spoken with him. Will you not question him yourself?” “'Tis needless,” said Forster. “The man has been imposed upon.” “Then you will neither march against the enemy, nor take any steps for the defence of the town?” cried the Earl of Derwentwater. “Not unless I receive accurate intelligence,” rejoined Forster. “I am under no apprehension.” “Was there ever such obstinacy?” exclaimed the earl, turning away in disgust. “Nay, 'tis in vain to reason with him,” he added to the countess. “Your lordship will understand,” said Forster, “that tomorrow I shall commence the march to Manchester.” “To-morrow we shall not be able to leave Preston,” rejoined the earl. “We shall see,” replied Forster, laughing. “Meanwhile, I recommend you to make the most of your time, and enjoy yourself while you can. There is another banquet at the town-hall to day.” “For the last time, I ask you if you are resolved not to move?” “Not till to-morrow,” replied Forster, positively. “I am about to give general orders to that effect.” And he quitted the room. The countess and Dorothy looked aghast. “What is to be done?” cried the former. “Nothing,” replied the earl. “Nothing can be done. We are doomed.”