“You cannot remain,” said the earl. “The lower part of the house is occupied by Captain Innes with a party of Highlanders, and when the attack commences, some of them will come to the roof.” “Let us stay till then,” entreated Dorothy. “We must see the commencement of the attack.” “I will not stir from the post at present,” said the countess. “I shall never forgive myself if any disaster occurs,” said the earl. “I ought not to have consented to your remaining here so long. Why did you not yield to my entreaties? Had you set out yesterday, you would now be far on the road to Dilston.” “You must blame me more than the countess, my lord,” said Dorothy. “I besought her to stay, and she yielded to my request.” “Commit no further errors,” said Father Norham. “Quit this dangerous position immediately, and repair to the town-hall as suggested by his lordship.” “Must we really go?” said the countess, with an appealing look to the earl. “Do let us stay for a few minutes longer!” “Well, I consent,” he replied. “But only on the condition that you depart when Father Norham deems it prudent to do so. I commit them to your care, father.” “Be sure I will watch over them, my son,” replied the priest. “Newbiggin, I need not give any commands to you,” said the earl. “You will attend to your lady and Miss Forster.” “With my life,” replied the butler. Scarcely had the earl taken his departure than Mrs. Scarisbrick made her appearance on the roof, and took up her station by the other ladies. “I am just in time,” she said, after greetings had passed between. “General Forster says there is no danger here.” “I hope not,” replied Dorothy. “But we shall not remain here long.” Meantime, the Earl of Derwentwater had proceeded to the adjacent barrier, and taken up a position with Brigadier Mackintosh, who had likewise been joined by Lord Kenmure and the Earls of Wintoun and Nithsdale. III.--THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE ASSAULT. |A STRANGE and portentous quietude now prevailed, like the awful hush preceding a storm. All the insurgent troops were in position, and in momentary expectation of the attack. The barricades were manned, the houses occupied with soldiers as we have mentioned, and the churchyard filled with troops. But not a sound proceeded from this vast collection of men. Never before had Preston beheld such a sight. Except in the market place, all business was suspended throughout the town, but here the houses were open, and the Mitre and the Bull were thronged. Terrified to death at the thought of the approaching conflict, almost all the residents in Church-street and Fishergate had quitted their houses, and repaired to the centre of the town. It was the same thing in Friargate, and in many houses in the Lancaster avenue. Thus in fear and trembling did the inhabitants of Preston await the commencement of the assault. At length, a murmur arose from those stationed on the roofs of houses, and everywhere were heard the words, “They come.”