|No longer feeling any uneasiness, the prince greatly enjoyed the ride
along this remarkable coast, which, besides being studded with ancient
castles, commands unequalled sea-views.
The day was fine, with a fresh breeze blowing from the North Sea. Many
vessels were in sight, giving life to the picture.
Before them lay Warkworth Castle, finely situated on a peninsula, at the
mouth of the lovely river Coquet, and the sight of the tall grey towers
of this imposing structure so full of historical recollections, greatly
moved the prince.
“From that proud castle of the Percys I should like to be proclaimed,”
he cried aloud.
“Your wish shall be gratified, my liege, that we promise you,” rejoined
Lord Widdrington and Mr. Forster, who overheard the exclamation.
And they fulfilled their promise, but not till a later date.
An ancient stone bridge across the Coquet brought the prince in front of
the castle, and he paused for a few minutes to gaze at it. Fain would he
have visited the Hermitage, but the wish could not be gratified, and
he rode on through the little town. No interference was offered to the
party since Lord Widdrington and Mr. Forster were at its head.
To Warkworth quickly succeeded a still finer castle--Alnwick; and the
prince was again lost in admiration of the second magnificent feudal
structure reared on a height above the town, and lording it over the
surrounding country.
Guessing his highness's thoughts, Lord Widdrington said:
“Had your majesty these two castles, with Dunstan-borough and
Bamborough, and all four well garrisoned, you might hold your own till
an army could be raised, that should win you your kingdom.”
“Bamborough is yours already, my liege,” added Forster. “And doubt not
the others will be gained.”
Several fresh objects interested the prince as he rode on. Amongst them
was Howick Tower, now destroyed.
Soon afterwards Dunstanborough Castle could be descried on the right. As
the prince advanced, it was easy to perceive that the enormous pile was
in ruins, but it still looked strong, and its position on a ridge of
rocks overlooking the sea was strikingly grand.
Several towers and a large portion of the walls were left; but that the
castle could be rendered capable of defence seemed very doubtful to the
prince, though both Lord Widdrington and Mr. Forster were of a different
opinion.
“If your majesty had time to inspect the stronghold, I would convince
you of its importance,” said Lord Widdrington. “Ruined as it is, it is
so immensely strong that I would undertake to hold it for a month, and
with a few large guns it would command the sea.”
“There are some extraordinary caverns beneath the castle, where any
amount of arms and ammunition sent from France could be stored,”
observed Forster.
“Obtain possession of the place as soon as you can,” remarked the
prince. “It ought to belong to us.”
“It _shall_ belong to your majesty,” said Lord Widdrington.
During the ride along the coast, Lord Derwentwater had not deemed
it necessary to pay especial attention to the prince, since Lord
Widdrington was better able than himself to furnish any information his
highness might require.
The enamoured earl, therefore, felt at liberty to devote himself
exclusively to the object of his affections. To enjoy greater freedom,
the young pair separated themselves from the troop, and pursued their
course along the turf that skirted the road--halting, occasionally, to
gaze at the sea.
Attracted by Dunstanborough Castle, they galloped towards the grand old
ruin, and after a brief survey of the gateway and towers were hastening
back across the plain, when Anna's horse stumbled and fell. Before the
earl could dismount and come to her assistance, she had regained her
feet, but her horse had sprained his shoulder so badly that he could
scarcely move.
Deeming it the best thing that could be done, Lord Derwentwater proposed
to ride as quickly as he could after the party, and bring back another
horse for her.
“Dare you remain here alone till I return?” he said.
“I am not in the slightest degree afraid,” she replied.
“I shall not be away many minutes,” he cried, dashing off at full speed.
By this time, the party had disappeared, but he soon overtook them,
and in less than five minutes returned with one of Lord Widdrington's
grooms.
But Anna was not there. The poor disabled horse had never stirred from
the spot. But its mistress was gone.
Lord Derwentwater gazed anxiously in every direction, but could see
nothing of her. Thinking she might have gone to the castle, he hurried
thither, followed by the groom, dashed through the gateway, and through
an inner gate into the court.
Here he gazed distractedly around, but could see no one. Nor was any
answer returned to his cries.