Though rejoiced to see her husband, the countess appeared greatly disappointed that so little had been achieved, and told the earl she would rather have heard from him at Newcastle, than have seen him at Hexham. Nor did Dorothy Forster show more consideration to her brother, but blamed him severely for quitting Warkworth. “What could we do there?” cried the general. “We should have been cut off from a junction with our Scottish allies and compelled to surrender.” “Now you have lost the whole of the coast from Barnborough to Newcastle,” cried Dorothy. “One daring deed has been done,” said the earl. “The fort on Holy Island has been surprised by Lancelot Errington. But I fear he will not be able to hold it.” “You ought to go to his succour,” said Dorothy to her brother. “You expect impossibilities from us,” replied the general. “Nothing is impossible,” rejoined Dorothy. “I shall never be content till you have fought a battle and gained a victory. I do not like a retreat.” “Women know nothing of warfare,” said the general, shrugging his shoulders. Just then an express arrived from Lord Kenmure, saying that he had arrived at Rothbury with the whole of his force, and desired to know whether he should remain there, or advance. “Bid him advance!” cried Dorothy. “Methinks I had best resign my command to you,” observed the general. “But I must beg you to cease this interference.” Then addressing the messenger, he said, “Go back to his lordship and say I will join him to-morrow at Rothbury.” “Hold, General,” cried the countess. “Had you not better give this matter some consideration?” “It requires none,” replied Forster. “Take my message to Lord Kenmure,” he added to the messenger, who immediately departed. After some further conversation, the countess and Dorothy, who had not dismounted, rode back through the woods to the castle. Meanwhile, Charles Radclyffe and Captain John Shaftoe had set off to Dilston with a dozen men, and after searching the old tower and some other places, brought back all the arms they could find. A very important matter had now to be settled, which had already been too long deferred. This was the organisation of the force, and in carrying out this necessary measure Colonel Oxburgh was of utmost use. After some deliberation it was decided that the division commanded by General Forster should consist of five troops, of which that of the Earl of Derwentwater ranked first, and was to be commanded by Charles Radclyffe and Captain John Shaftoe, whom we have just mentioned. The second troop, belonging to Lord Widdrington, was to be commanded by Captain Thomas Errington of Beaufront, who had formerly been in the French service, and was brother of Lancelot Errington, who had just surprised Holy Island.