Читать книгу The Leaguer Of Lathom - William Harrison Ainsworth - Страница 16

Table of Contents

AFTER Standish had been taken away, Colonel Holland and Rosworm continued for a short time in consultation.

Since they did not retire to the inner room, but remained in the houseplace, Gertrude, who was occupied in some household matters, necessarily overheard their discourse.

"I fear our ammunition may run short," said the governor. "We have not more powder than will suffice for to-morrow, and the match is nearly exhausted."

"We must obtain a fresh supply of both from the enemy," replied Rosworm. "That must be the main object of the sally to be made to-night. We may not be able to carry off any of the cannon from the battery, but we can secure some powder and match."

"That will be a great help to us," said the governor. "The supplies we expected from An-coats Hall have been cut off."

"Hitherto we have done well," said Rosworm. "But, to-morrow, our good fortune may desert us."

"I trust not," said Colonel Holland. "But wherefore these misgivings?"

"I have no misgivings," replied Rosworm. "I am confident as ever. But I feel certain the Earl of Derby meditates a grand attack, and most probably will put his plan in execution to-morrow—if he be not prevented."

"How can we prevent him?" asked Colonel Holland.

"By striking a heavy blow to-night," replied Rosworm. "He tried to burn down the town. We must retaliate."

"You do not propose to set fire to Salford?" cried the governor. "Such a step would be highly prejudicial to our cause. We have many partisans in the place."

"No, I do not design to fire Salford," said Rosworm. "I propose to attack the earl in his head-quarters, and burn down Alport Lodge."

"That would be a heavy blow, indeed," rejoined the governor. "But a courageous man is needed to strike it."

"Captain Bradshaw is the man," said Rosworm. "I would execute the project myself, but I cannot quit my post. This is my plan: A sortie must take place at midnight. The night will be dark, so that it will favour the design. Bradshaw must sally forth with a party of fifty men, and make his way, as best he can, to the lodge. He may not succeed in passing the sentinels unobserved, but he must try to do so. Should he reach the house, he must throw combustibles into it and into the out-buildings. This done, he must hurry back to attack the battery and seize upon the ammunition."

"But he may want aid in this bold attempt," observed the governor.

"True," replied Rosworm. "Captain Radcliffe and Captain Booth must hold themselves in readiness; and as soon as they perceive that Alport Lodge is on fire, must sally forth—each with a party of fifty men—and make for the battery, to render aid in case of need."

"The plan is excellent, and cannot fail," said Colonel Holland. "I will go at once, and give the necessary orders to Bradshaw and the others."

"Impress upon them the necessity of caution," observed Rosworm. "If the plan is betrayed it is ruined."

"No imprudence need be feared on their part," said Colonel Holland. "I may have to consult with you again. Shall I find you here?"

"You will find me in the churchyard, with the marksmen," replied Rosworm.

The governor then departed on his errand.

"Give me a cup of wine, child," said Rosworm to his daughter.

"Father," said Gertrude, as she brought him the wine. "I should like to witness this nocturnal sortie."

"Thou may'st see it from the church-tower," he replied. "But there will be nothing visible till the hall is fired."

"I mean I should like to go with Captain Bradshaw's party," she remarked.

"Nonsense," he cried. "They will run great risk."

"I do not care for the risk," she rejoined. "Let me accompany them."

"Thou art mad to make such a foolish request."

"Nay, I am quite serious, father!"

"Then I should be more mad to grant it," he rejoined.

"I will put on male attire," she said. "I have a doublet that would fit me, and you yourself have taught me how to fire a pistol, and use a sword."

"But I never meant thee to join in a midnight sortie," he cried sharply. "Dismiss the notion at once."

"I have made up my mind to go, father," she rejoined. "And you know I am very self-willed."

"Bah! thou art only jesting. If I thought you were in earnest, I would lock you in your chamber."

"That wouldn't prevent me from going," she exclaimed, with a laugh. "I could easily get out of the window."

"Enough of this," he cried, rising from his seat. "I know you too well to believe you capable of such folly. Do as you will, I shall not control you."

"Then you give your consent?"

"Assuredly not," he rejoined. "If you are really curious to witness the sortie, you can accompany me when I make my rounds. But I ought to mention that a great thanksgiving meeting will be held at the church to-night. Thou hadst best attend it."

"I will—but I must not lose the sortie."

"Well! well! thou art wilful, and must be humoured. Go to the Trafford Chapel—on the south side of the nave—thou know'st it—I will come to thee there."

"At what hour does the service commence?"

"Not till late—but it will be over long before midnight," he rejoined.

"That is all I wanted to know," she returned. "You will find me in the Trafford Chapel."

Her father looked as if he had something more to say by way of caution, but he left it unsaid, and kissing her on the brow, took up his musket, and went forth.

No sooner was he gone than Gertrude went to the door of the kitchen, which was situated at the back of the house, and called out:

"Justine—come here—I want to speak to you."

The summons was immediately answered by an elderly and decently attired woman, who acted as Rosworm's housekeeper.

"What think you, Justine?" cried Gertrude, clapping her hands with delight. "At length, I have my wish. My father has promised to take me with him to see the sortie to-night."

"But not to let you join it," remarked Justine.

"No, but I may do so, for all that," said Gertrude, with a singular look.

"I hope not," observed the housekeeper, in a severe tone. "You quite astound me! A young damsel join a midnight sortie—I never heard of such a thing. Why, you are certain to be killed."

"Not till I have killed half a dozen of the enemy, Justine."

"Then, indeed, you would deserve to be shot. But I know your good father won't allow you to expose yourself to any such risk."

"We shall see, Justine. I mean to put on my military dress."

"That dress has put this whim in your head," observed Justine. "I thought mischief would come of it, when your father gave it you. But he meant it to serve for a different purpose."

"He meant me to wear it, or he would never have given it me, Justine—and so I will—this very night."

"Then Heaven protect you!" exclaimed the housekeeper, with a groan. "I see it is vain to reason with you."

And she returned to the kitchen.

For a few minutes Gertrude looked irresolute.

She then went up-stairs to her own room, and opened a chest that contained some martial equipments—buff jerkin, baldrick, boots, and head- piece—all of light make, and small size. She knew they would fit her, for she had often tried them on.

The sight of these accoutrements decided her.