“Then Brigadier Mackintosh must come with me,” said Churchill.
“The brigadier is gone to bed, greatly fatigued,” replied Dalziel.
“I regard that as a mere excuse,” said Churchill, gravely. “I begin to think the treaty will fall to the ground. For the sake of the garrison, I hope not. If the attack is recommenced, none will be spared.”
Just then the Earl of Derwentwater and Colonel Mackintosh alighted at the door of the inn, and were announced by the sentinel. Both saluted Colonel Churchill.
“Colonel Mackintosh and myself are come to offer ourselves as hostages if required,” said the earl. “We do not desire that any needless difficulties should be raised, and are therefore ready to accompany you.”
“I surrender myself with his lordship,” said Colonel Mackintosh.
“I should be sorry if the treaty were sacrificed,” said Churchill; “and am therefore obliged to your lordship and Colonel Mackintosh for the humane step you have taken. You have saved the garrison.”
“Had not General Foster been our leader, the garrison would never have been in this strait,” said Colonel Mackintosh. “We might have been overcome, but we would not have died without inflicting some loss on our assailants.”
“'Tis better as it is,” said Churchill. “I have to receive the paroles of honour of certain gentlemen that they will perform their promises, and then I will conduct you to General Wills.”
“We will ride on to the Fishergate outlet and await you there,” said Lord Derwentwater. “We care not to parade ourselves as prisoners.”
Colonel Churchill signified his assent, and the party separated.
IX--IN WHAT MANNER THE HOSTAGES WERE RECEIVED BY GENERAL WILLS.
|General Carpenter was not present when the Earl of Derwentwater and Colonel Mackintosh were brought as hostages to Wills, but Brigadier Munden, Colonels Pitt, Wynn, and Stanhope were with him at the time.
The severe commander received the hostages very haughtily, and knitted his dark brows as he regarded them.
Lord Derwentwater comported himself with great dignity, but Colonel Mackintosh could scarcely restrain his anger, especially when Wills asked:
“Why have we not a Scotch nobleman? I required Lord Nithsdale or Lord Kenmure.”
“They declined to come, general,” replied Churchill.
