"No."
"Oh, father! think of Lady Markham and of little Lil."
"I have thought about them, my boy," said the colonel, speaking in a
slow, measured voice, "and I have three times over begged of the general
to spare the Hall and its defenders, and to let us go on at once."
"And what did he say?" cried Fred, eagerly.
"He asked me if it was the voice of duty speaking, or that of
friendship, and what could I say?"
Fred looked at him piteously.
"How could I leave that nest of hornets to harass our rear, and gather a
fresh and stronger force together, so as to be ready for the next
detachment which comes along west. No, boy, I am obliged as an officer
to agree with my superior that every man must be cleared out of that
Hall before we can stir. Sir Godfrey Markham has his fate in his own
hands."
"What do you mean, father? Surrender?"
"Of course. He shall have due respect paid to him and his followers;
but it is madness to expect it of him, even for their sake."
"For their sake, father?"
"Yes, my boy. There, I may as well tell you. I am not the stern,
implacable enemy you think me. I wrote to Sir Godfrey last night,
asking him to surrender for his wife and daughter's sake."
"You did this, father?" cried Fred, eagerly.
"I did, my boy."
"And what did he say?"
"He sent a stern, insulting message, similar to his last, and those who
were with him threatened to crop the next ambassador's ears if he dared
present himself at the Hall."
"Let me go and make another appeal to Sir Godfrey."
"You heard the threat?" said Colonel Forrester, looking at his son
curiously.
"Yes, I heard, father."
"And will you risk it, if I give you a message to take?"
"Yes, father, it was a vain boast. They dare not insult a messenger."
"No, my boy, you shall not go," said Colonel Forrester, laying his hand
upon his son's shoulder. "It would be courting injury for no good
purpose."
"But if it would save Sir Godfrey and poor Scarlett?"
"It would not, Fred."
"Don't say that, father. If I could see Scar Markham, he would perhaps
listen to me; and if he did, he might have as much influence upon Sir
Godfrey as I have upon you. Father, let me try."
"No, Fred, it cannot be," said the colonel, sternly. "I am not in
command here. The general has sent twice, the second appeal being made
through my request, and in each case the answer was an insult."
"But, father--"
"It is useless, my boy, so say no more. Sir Godfrey brings the assault
on himself. I have done all I can. General Hedley acknowledges it, and
you see I have ceased to be the stern officer to you, and have spoken
kindly and in the spirit you wish."
"But one moment, father. Do you think we could persuade Sir Godfrey
through Scarlett?"
"No, my boy, and I am afraid I should act precisely the same were I in
his place. No more now."
"But, father, shall I be expected to go forward with the troops?"
"No. I have provided against that, Fred. You and I will not be
combatants here."
"Why, father!" cried Fred, excitedly. "Look!"
"Yes," said Colonel Forrester, sadly. "They have begun. I thought it
would not be long. I dreaded being in the general's confidence over
this."