Читать книгу The Leaguer Of Lathom - William Harrison Ainsworth - Страница 9

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IN an inner room of an old black and white timber and plaster house situated in a street near the Collegiate Church in Manchester, were two persons.

One of them, whose accoutrements proclaimed him an officer of rank in the Parliamentary army, was Colonel Richard Holland, commander of the garrison and governor of the town. He had strongly marked features, and an authoritative manner, though on the present occasion he had somewhat relaxed his importance.

His companion, unmistakably a foreigner, was no other than the redoubted German engineer, of whom mention has been previously made.

Colonel Rosworm was about fifty, and had served under Wallenstein during the Thirty Years' War. But he appeared none the worse for the hardships he had undergone. His cheeks had been gashed at the battle of Lutzen, but this circumstance only heightened the manly character of his physiognomy, and indeed the scar was almost hidden by a bushy red beard. Though his look was determined and somewhat stern, his manner was distinguished by military frankness.

He could not be called handsome but his features were well formed, and his figure strong and well-proportioned. He did not exceed the middle height, but bore himself so well that he looked tall.

Such was the famous German engineer, to whom the defence of Manchester against the Royalists and malignants, as they were termed, had been entrusted by those belonging to the Puritan faction. That he was equal to the task seemed now conclusively proved by the effectual manner in which he had fortified the town—surrounding it entirely with mud walls, and protecting the entrances with stout posts, chains, and barricades. Colonel Rosworm's plan was entirely satisfactory to the Parliamentary governor of the town, and he gave it his unqualified commendation.

The house in which we find the engineer and the governor belonged to the former. He had occupied it ever since he arrived in the town from Ireland. It was a small habitation, but quite large enough for himself and his daughter. Colonel Rosworm was a widower, having lost his wife some years ago. But she had left him a most lovely girl, whom he guarded with as much vigilance as he would have done a fortress.

Gertrude Rosworm, at the period of our story, was just nineteen, and remarkable for her personal attractions. Her profuse flaxen locks, summer blue eyes, delicately fair complexion, and graceful figure won her many admirers among the youth of the town, but none of them were allowed by her jealous father to approach her. However, further description of her must be deferred till she appears on the scene.

Colonel Rosworm was closeted with the governor in a small room opening from the house place, which enjoyed the advantage of a bay window looking into the street.

The walls were garnished with pikes, swords, muskets, and petronels, and several pieces of armour and steel caps were hung up ready for use.

Colonel Rosworm wore a buff coat and boots, but had relieved himself of his sword and pistols. On the table beside them was a flask of claret and a couple of tall glasses.

They were talking of a banquet given some six weeks ago by a gentleman of Manchester to Lord Derby—then Lord Strange—at which time a tumult occurred in the town when several persons were killed.

"This disastrous affair may be regarded as the commencement of the Civil War in Manchester," observed the governor. "But I do not think Lord Strange altogether in fault. The provocation came from our side, and I am thankful to say I had nothing to do with it."

"The occurrence took place just before my arrival," remarked Colonel Rosworm, who spoke the language perfectly, though with a strong German accent; "but it does not appear that Lord Strange had any designs upon the town."

"He merely came to attend a grand banquet given in his honour," replied the governor. "Sir Richard Girlington, sheriff of the county, Lord Molineux, Sir Gilbert Hoghton, Sir Alexander Radcliffe, Sir Thomas Prestwich, Sir Edward Mosley, of Alport Lodge, Sir Thomas Tyldesley, Mr. Farrington, of Worden, and several other Royalist gentlemen were present, but all might have passed off quietly if Colonel Holcroft and Colonel Birch had not marched into the town with a large party of men, armed with pikes and muskets, and struck up their drums in the market-place to call out the militia."

"That was certain to cause an affray," remarked Rosworm. "Perhaps they merely meant to disturb the party at the banquet."

"I suspect they had a deeper design," said the governor. "But be that as it may, they were interrupted by the sheriff, who quitted the banquet, and suddenly appeared in the market-place with a few followers, and ordered them in the king's name to lay down their arms, and keep the peace. They refused, and the sheriff was unable to enforce compliance. Meanwhile Lord Strange, with Lord Molineux, Sir Thomas Tyldesley, and the rest of the gentlemen likewise quitted the banquet, and came to the sheriff's assistance. A sharp conflict took place in the streets, during which several men were killed on both sides, but it ended in the discomfiture of Holcroft and Birch. The latter would have been shot, had he not taken refuge under a cart. Lord Strange and his friends were highly incensed, and declared it was a treacherous design to assassinate them. Next morning the chief persons of the town waited upon his lordship, who was a guest of Sir Alexander Radcliffe, of Ordsall Hall, to express their great regret at the occurrence."

"Had Lord Strange chosen, he could easily have taken the town at that time, and carried off the magazine," observed Rosworm. "But now we are secure from attack."

"We shall not be left long in peace," said the governor. "Lord Strange has just succeeded his father and is now Earl of Derby. I hear he is raising a large body of men."

"Most probably he will march to the king's assistance," rejoined Rosworm.

"If I am rightly informed he has received orders from his majesty to besiege this town," said Colonel Holland. "We may therefore expect a visit from him shortly."

"Come when he may he will find us prepared," said Rosworm. "But if your excellency apprehends an immediate attack it may be well to provision the town, and get in all the men you can from Bury, Rochdale, and the neighbouring places."

"I have sent scouts to Warrington where the earl now is," said the governor, "and expect to receive precise information to-morrow. Meanwhile, no precautions must be neglected."

"Strict watch shall be kept to-night on the ramparts and at the gates," rejoined Rosworm. "I myself will visit the sentinels, and see that they do not neglect their duty. If aught occurs alarm bells shall be rung, and a light displayed from the church tower."

"You have not served under the great Wallenstein without learning something, colonel," observed the governor, with a smile.

"I have learnt that he who guards a fortress must not sleep at night," said Rosworm. "Depend upon it the enemy shall not take us unawares."

At this moment the door was partly opened, and a pleasant voice inquired:

"May I come in, father?"

Rosworm answered in the affirmative, and Gertrude entered.