It was a touching sight to see all those rude soldiers kneeling there and imploring Heaven's blessing upon their amis. But there were others there, equally earnest in their prayers--Colonel Oxburgh and his brave companions, with Charles Radclyffe. All these were gathered in front of the altar near the earl, and received the priestly benediction. When the service was over, all immediately left the chapel, except the earl and countess, who remained there for a short time longer. Their parting was sorrowful, for both felt they might never meet again. The countess was more overcome than she expected. During the visit of the magistrates she had been greatly excited, but a reaction had since taken place, and she was now proportionately depressed. Her beautiful head fell upon the earl's breast, and she wept aloud. “I do not like to leave you thus, dearest Anna,” he said. “Heed me not!” she rejoined, gazing at him with streaming eyes. “This will soon be past. I would not have you defer your departure for an hour on my account. Come back as soon as you can--but come not back till you have restored the king!” “Then I may never return,” said the earl, gloomily. “Do not despair!” she cried. “Be of good heart, and you will triumph. Night and morn, I will pray at this altar for success to your arms. And since your cause is just, Heaven will grant my prayer! And now farewell! If you stay too long here, your resolution may waver.” “No fear of that!” cried the earl, again straining her to his breast. “Farewell! farewell!” He then tore himself away, but when he reached the door of the chapel, he turned to take a last look at her. She was again kneeling at the altar, and did not see him. Meanwhile, the yeomen had been taken to the butler's pantry, where they lost no time in discussing the plentiful repast prepared for them, and having washed down the viands with some jugs of strong ale, re-mounted their horses. Refreshments and wine were likewise served in the entrance-hall, of which the Jacobite gentlemen partook. Before going forth each drank the king's health in a large goblet of claret, and each drew his sword and devoted it to the king's service. Soon after this the court was empty, and the various horsemen, who had lately filled it, were seen speeding along the chestnut avenue, with the Earl of Denventwater at their head, mounted on his dapple-grey steed. IX.--MAD-JACK HALL OF OTTERBURN. |Halting at Corbridge, the earl and his companions drew their swords, and proclaimed James the Third. Here half a dozen gentlemen joined them, and they obtained some further recruits as they went on. One of the chief partisans of the Stuarts in the county was Mr. Hall, of Otterburn, in Redesdale. A man of ancient family and considerable property, but of eccentric character and ungovernable temper, he was known by the name of “Mad Jack Hall of Otterburn.”