“You need not be uneasy,” said Wills. “You are under no obligation to any one but me. Good-night, ladies. I wish you a safe journey to Dilston. When I tell you that General Carpenter will be here with two thousand men to-morrow, you may be glad to be out of the way.” He rode off, while the ladies and their companions were taken across the ford by Parson Woods, and then liberated. XI.--AN UNLUCKY SHOT. |After their unsuccessful attempt to cross the ford, Charles Radclyffe and Captain Douglas did not return to the town, but concealed themselves among some trees till they had ascertained that the countess and Dorothy were to be liberated. They then went back tolerably well satisfied with the issue of the adventure. As they were riding slowly up the lane leading to the Fishergate avenue, they caught the sound of horses' feet behind them, and stopped to listen. It was so dark that nothing could be seen distinctly, but they heard voices, and Captain Douglas drew a pistol and called out, “Who goes there?” “A friend,” replied a voice. “To whom?” demanded Douglas. “To King James, or King George.” “I am no rebel,” replied the person who had spoken. “But it seems you are, and I am therefore bound to make you a prisoner. It will be useless to resist, for I have a dozen men with me.” “I would not yield if you had twice the number,” rejoined Douglas. “Advance a step further, and I will shoot you.” “Let him go, Sir Henry,” cried a female voice. “'Tis Sir Henry Hoghton,” said Charles Radclyffe. “So it seems,” said Douglas. “Come, Sir Henry,” he cried. “'Tis for you to yield--not me.” “This is my answer,” replied Sir Henry, firing at him, but without effect. “And this my rejoinder,” cried Douglas, firing in his turn. A shriek followed. “What have I done?” cried Douglas. “Wounded a lady,” replied Sir Henry. “Are you much hurt, madam?” he asked. “Mortally, I fear,” she replied, in a faint voice. “Support me, or I shall fall from my horse.” “'Tis Mrs. Scarisbrick!” cried Charles Radclyffe. END OF BOOK EIGHT _BOOK THE NINTH_ [Illustration: 0262] I.--HOW A PARTY OF DRAGOONS WAS ROUTED BY CAPTAIN GORDON. |As soon as it began to grow light next morning, Captain Gordon mounted the church-tower to survey the town. All seemed quiet--besieged and defenders. The Highlanders were still lying stretched on their plaids near the barricade; but the greater part of the troops, who did not possess the hardihood of the Scots, had quitted the churchyard, and sought shelter in some of the adjacent houses. No signs of movement were visible in the two large houses in possession of the enemy; but the sentinels were at their posts, and no doubt the men could be summoned instantly to arms. The street presented a ghastly sight--the dead not having been removed, and the ground being covered with blood.