“Look to yourself, friend,” rejoined Captain Douglas. “Retire at once, or I will send a bullet through your head.” And drawing a pistol, he prepared to execute his threat. “Hold!” said the countess. “He will let us pass, when he knows we are ladies.” “I don't know that,” said Parson Woods. “Who are you?” “Make way for the Countess of Derwentwater and Miss Forster,” cried Captain Douglas, thinking to overawe him. Precisely the contrary effect was produced. No sooner did Parson Woods hear those important names than he called to his men who were concealed by the bank behind him: “Arise, and follow me! Heaven has delivered into our hands the wife and sister of the principal rebels! Come with me, I say, that we may prevent the flight of the Countess of Derwentwater and Miss Forster.” So saying, he dashed into the river, followed by his men, and though Captain Douglas fired at him, he was not harmed, but seized the countess's bridle, and detained her; while Dorothy was captured in like manner by some of his men, despite Charles Radclyffe's resistance. What might have ensued it is impossible to say, since Captain Douglas and his companion were compelled to beat a hasty retreat by the sudden appearance of a party of Pitt's dragoons. Father Norham and Newbiggin offered no resistance, and were captured with the ladies. X.--BY WHOM THE COUNTESS AND DOROTHY WERE LIBERATED. |The leader of the troop seemed an important personage, since he was treated with marked deference by Parson Woods. After putting a few questions in an undertone to the minister, he turned to the ladies, and said: “Am I to understand that I am addressing Lady Derwent water and Miss Forster?” “You are, sir,” replied the countess. “And if you are satisfied on the point, I presume we shall not be detained?” The officer made no direct reply, but said rather bluntly: “Who are these persons with you?” “One is Lord Derwentwater's chaplain,” replied the countess. “The other is a private servant.” “Your ladyship must excuse me if I appear inquisitive, but I am obliged to ask where you are going?” said the officer. “Moreover, I must request a precise answer to the inquiry.” “It is not my habit to equivocate, sir,” replied she. “My destination is Dilston, and if we are allowed to proceed, Miss Forster will accompany me.” “I presume your ladyship thinks Preston unsafe, or you would not quit it in this manner?” remarked the officer. Lady Derwentwater made no reply. “That question ought not to have been put,” said Dorothy. “We are not called upon to explain the cause of our departure.” “But when General Forster's sister flies, it may be presumed that the place is not likely to hold out long,” remarked the officer. “You may draw any inference you please,” rejoined Dorothy. “My own opinion is that General Wills will be driven away to-morrow. He has certainly had the worst of it to-day.”