|General Wills, however, did not appear satisfied with what had been
done.
About an hour later, Colonel Churchill and Colonel Nassau entered the
town, and on the part of Generals Carpenter and Wills, declared that an
English and a Scottish nobleman must be delivered up as hostages for the
due fulfilment of the conditions.
“We require the Earl of Dervventwater on the part of the English, and
Lord Kenmure on that of the Scots,” said Colonel Churchill.
“Why not take General Forster?” asked Captain Dalziel.
“We prefer Lord Derwentwater or Lord Widdring-ton,” replied Churchill,
with a singular smile.
“I must tell you frankly, colonel,” said Dalziel, “that in the opinion
of the Scots, General Forster has made an arrangement for himself
through Colonel Oxburgh with General Wills. It has clearly been
ascertained that a lady of great personal beauty, who had extraordinary
influence over General Forster, gave secret information to General
Wills. Last night she was accidentally shot while returning from a
visit--it is supposed--to your camp. Now, when we find that a proposal
for surrender is made by General Forster without consulting us--and that
when a hostage is required, it is not Forster, but Lord Derwentwater
who is selected, can you wonder we believe we are betrayed? Here is a
general who refuses to march or fight--who declares the enemy is at a
distance when he proves to be close at hand--who has intimate relations
with a lady, who acts as a spy--and who proposes to surrender, and makes
terms for himself, while we desire to continue the contest--can we doubt
that he is a traitor?”
“You do not expect us to sympathise with you because you have an
incompetent leader?” said Colonel Churchill.
“Incapacity is one thing--treachery another, colonel,” said Captain
Dalziel. “We Scots all believe Forster has played us false. I do not
think his life is secure. Take him with you. He will be safer with you
than with us.”
“My orders are explicit,” said Churchill. “I must bring either of the
English lords I have mentioned, and Lord Kenmure.”
“Lord Kenmure will not come out,” said Dalziel. “Nor will my brother,
Lord Carnwath--or any other Scottish noble.”
“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.