“I shall be accompanied by Major Nairn, Captain Philip Lockhart, Captain Shaftoe, and a dozen others, and we will either effect an escape or sell our lives dearly.” “It is too late,” replied the brigadier. “My Highlanders could render you little assistance. The Lancaster avenue is now guarded by six squadrons of dragoons in addition to the former guard, so that you will infallibly be cut to pieces. Besides, hostages have been given, and that alone ought to deter you from making the attempt.” “Then we must remain tamely here?” said Lord Wintoun. “There is no help for it, my lord,” replied the brigadier. “If I had had my own way, things should never have come to this pass. We ought to have cut our way out before the arrival of General Carpenter.” “Have we any chance of escape now, think you?” asked Lord Wintoun. “Very little, I fear,” replied the brigadier. “But we must be prepared to take advantage of any unforeseen circumstances to-morrow. It is not likely that any will occur--but it may be.” XI.--THE TERMS OF THE TREATY ARE ACCEPTED. |A DISMAL day dawned on Preston. The inhabitants had heard of the capitulation, but did not feel sure it would be carried out--many of the more timid being apprehensive that the town would still be the scene of a most sanguinary conflict. In the opinion of these persons the Highlanders would not submit, but would make a most desperate attempt to sally forth, which would end in their extermination. The English insurgents had made up their minds to surrender, and seemed hardly able to realise the position in which they were placed, for most of them displayed unaccountable indifference. Perhaps they persuaded themselves that clemency would be shown them. If so, they were mistaken. The town-hall was crowded with ladies who had passed the night there, and did not mean to quit the asylum till all was settled. Once more, and for the last time, Captain Gordon ascended the church-tower at break of day, and looked around. The besiegers had drawn so much nearer to the town, that they seemed now quite close at hand. The militia had likewise quitted their position on the south bank of the Ribble, and stationed themselves near the upper end of the Wigan road. In fact, the town was completely invested, and Captain Gordon saw at a glance that it would be impossible to break through such a cordon. In the Churchgate and Fishergate the barricades were undisturbed, but no preparations were made for the renewal of the fight. Brigadier Mackintosh was no longer at his post, and most of the Highlanders had retired to the houses, anxious to snatch a few hours' rest, and certain they would be summoned when required. No sound of bagpipes was heard. The neglected batteries, deserted streets, and dejected air of such troopers as could be seen, offered a marked contrast to the formidable appearance of the besiegers. Captain Gordon felt that the contest was over, and desired to see no more.