|A STRANGE and portentous quietude now prevailed, like the awful hush
preceding a storm. All the insurgent troops were in position, and in
momentary expectation of the attack.
The barricades were manned, the houses occupied with soldiers as we
have mentioned, and the churchyard filled with troops. But not a sound
proceeded from this vast collection of men.
Never before had Preston beheld such a sight. Except in the market
place, all business was suspended throughout the town, but here the
houses were open, and the Mitre and the Bull were thronged.
Terrified to death at the thought of the approaching conflict, almost
all the residents in Church-street and Fishergate had quitted their
houses, and repaired to the centre of the town. It was the same thing in
Friargate, and in many houses in the Lancaster avenue.
Thus in fear and trembling did the inhabitants of Preston await the
commencement of the assault.
At length, a murmur arose from those stationed on the roofs of houses,
and everywhere were heard the words, “They come.”
Then the countess and Dorothy, with hundreds of others who were gazing
eagerly towards the Wigan avenue, beheld a body of red-coated foot
soldiers issue from the lane, and march towards the street.
These were Preston's foot. Captain Preston was with them himself, but on
this occasion the regiment was commanded by Lord Forrester, who rode at
their head.
The men looked very well, and presented a very gallant appearance. They
were supported by two hundred and fifty dragoons, selected from five
different regiments, each party being commanded by a captain, and the
whole being commanded by Major Bland and Major Lawson.
Then came two regiments of dragoons under the command of Brigadier
Honeywood.
Casting a rapid glance along the street, Lord Forrester instantly saw
how matters stood, but ordered his men to attack the barricade, which
presented a very formidable appearance with the cannon mounted upon it,
and the troops collected behind it.
But the assailants had not advanced far, when such a terrible fire was
poured upon them from the barricade, and from the roofs and windows of
the houses, that they halted.
By this deadly discharge nearly fifty men were killed, or severely
wounded. Loud shouts arose from the defenders of the barricade, and
stifled the groans of the wounded.
The fire of the defenders were instantly returned by the assailants, but
with comparatively little effect.
Urged on by Lord Forrester and Captain Preston the assailants marched
on, but was checked by a second discharge quite as terrible as the
first, while the cannon being well directed by Tom Syddall and his men,
did great execution.
Thus much did the countess and Dorothy see, but they beheld no more. The
spectacle of that street, filled with dying and dead, was too much for
them, and they covered their eyes to shut out the dreadful sight.
“Shall I take you hence?” said Father Norham.
“Yes--yes!” cried the countess.
Casting one look at the barricade, and seeing that the earl was safe,
she instantly quitted the roof with the priest and Newbiggin. The other
ladies followed. The party did not venture into the street, but made
their way through the garden at the back of the house. As they were
speeding along, another discharge of musketry took place, accompanied by
the roar of the cannon.
At the same time distant firing was heard on the north side of the town,
showing that the attack had likewise begun in this quarter. A sergeant,
despatched by Captain Innes, made way for them through the crowded
street to the market-place.
No sooner had they reached the town-hall than the countess and Dorothy
withdrew to a private room, with the priest, and spent some time in
earnest devotions.