|Very different was the progress of the prince and his party from that
made by the occupants of the coach. While the latter were crawling along
the highway, the others were flying across the country, as if chasing
the deer.
Over broad wide moors they speeded--across valley, and through
wood--past ancient castles, and along the banks of rushing
streams--allowing nothing to stop them--not even the Piets' wall,
through a gap in which they dashed--till after traversing many a wild
and waste such as only can be seen in Northumberland, they came in sight
of the great German Ocean, and the rugged coast that bounds it.
Sixteen miles and upwards had been accomplished in a marvellously short
space of time, but then all were well mounted. Throughout this long
stretch, Anna, who we have said rode splendidly, kept by the side of
Lord Derwentwater, and as he led the way, she shared any risk he might
run.
A pretty sight it was to see them together, and drew forth the
admiration of those who followed in their course. Somehow or other, they
got ahead, and the Prince and Dorothy Forster, who were next behind,
made no effort to come up with them. The rest of the party kept well
together.
At length a point was reached from which, as we have just mentioned, the
broad expanse of the ocean could he surveyed. On the right was Camboise
Bay, spreading out with all its rocky headlands as far as Tynemouth and
South Shields. On the left was Druridge Bay with Coquet Island in the
distance. Behind them a few miles off was Morpeth, with the ruins of
its castle, and its old church, and beyond Morpeth lay the wild district
they had traversed.
As yet they had made no halt, Lord Derwent water's intention being to
stop at Widdrington Castle, which could now be descried about a
mile off, beautifully situated near the coast. It was a picturesque
structure, surrounded by fine timber, and though of great antiquity,
seemed in excellent repair.
Lord Widdrington was a devoted partisan of the House of Stuart, and
it was therefore certain that his castle would be thrown open to the
prince, and that his highness might tarry there as long as he pleased if
he deemed it as safe as Bamborough.
After contemplating the fine old structure with delight for a few
minutes, the prince moved on, and followed by the whole party rode down
the eminence, and entered the park.
They had not gone far, when they met the noble owner of the mansion.
Lord Widdrington chanced to be riding about his grounds at the time, and
seeing the party enter the lodge-gate, he hastened towards them.
How great was his astonishment when he learnt who was his visitor! He
instantly flung himself from his horse to pay homage to him whom he
regarded as his king.
But the prince was as quick as himself, and anticipating his design,
dismounted and embraced him, expressing the greatest delight at
beholding him.
Lord Widdrington had quite the air of a country gentleman. About
five and thirty, he was well-made, though somewhat robust, with good
features, lighted up by grey eyes, and characterised by a frank, manly
expression. He wore a blue riding-dress trimmed with silver, a blonde
peruke and riding-boots.
By this time Lord Derwentwater had come up, and explanations were
quickly given as to the position in which the prince was placed.
Lord Widdrington looked grave, and after a few moments' deliberation
said:
“Your majesty must be certain that nothing would gratify me more than to
receive you as my guest, but your safety is the first consideration. I
am bound, therefore, to state, that in case of pursuit, you would not be
as safe here as at Bamborough.”
“Such is my own opinion,” remarked Lord Derwentwater.
“There are a hundred hiding places in the old castle,” pursued Lord
Widdrington; “and besides, a boat can be always in readiness, so that
your majesty could be taken to Lindisfarne, where you might be concealed
for a month.
“Whatever course you advise, my lord, I will adopt,” said the prince.
“But I must not be deprived of the power of retreat.”
“'Tis therein especially that Bamborough has the advantage over this
mansion, my liege,” said Forster, who had come up. “I will answer with
my life that you shall not fall into the hands of your enemies.”
“And I dare not assert as much, since I might not be able to make good
my words,” said Lord Widdrington.
“That decides me,” cried the prince. “I shall take up my quarters at
Bamborough.”
“I trust your majesty will tarry awhile, and accept such hospitality as
I am able to offer you,” entreated Lord Widdrington.
“How say you, my lord?” cried the prince, appealing to Lord
Derwentwater. “Shall I stay? I am in your hands.”
His lordship thought an hour's halt might be risked, so the whole of
the party dismounted, and were conducted to a large antique dining-hall,
adorned with portraits of the family, commencing with Gerard de
Widdrington, who flourished in the time of Edward the Third.
Here a goodly repast was served with remarkable promptitude. Of course,
the viands were cold, but those who partook of them were too hungry
to care for that--for they had breakfasted but slightly before
starting,--and even the two fair damsels had gained a good appetite by
the ride.
Claret there was in abundance, and a goblet was devoted to a young pair
of whose recent betrothal Lord Widdrington had just heard. The health
of King James was drunk at the close of the repast, which was not
prolonged beyond an hour. At the expiration of that time the horses were
brought round.
After glancing round the entrance-hall, which was panelled with oak, and
decked with trophies of the chase and ancient weapons, and admiring the
carved oak staircase, the prince went forth, and mounted his steed--Lord
Widdrington holding the bridle. With graceful gallantry, his lordship
next assisted the two fair equestrians to the saddle. This done, he
mounted his own horse, with the purpose of attending the prince to
Bamborough. Moreover, he had ordered half a dozen well-armed men to
follow at the rear of the troop.
With this additional force the party proceeded on its way--though not at
the same rapid pace as heretofore.