I.

Of the Royalist Force under Prince Rupert

LORD DERBY and his attendants having made their way safely to Cuerdley, crossed the Mersey at Penketh Ferry, and rode on to Daresbury, where the earl learnt to his great satisfaction that Prince Rupert had entered Cheshire, and was marching with an army of ten thousand men, chiefly cavalry, from Betley, where he made a short halt, towards Has-lington and Sandbach.

Report added that the inhabitants of Nantwich, most of whom were friendly to the Parliament, had been thrown into the greatest consternation, as they expected the town would be assaulted by the prince, but he appeared to have other designs. The Royalist troops, however, were plundering the whole district, seizing all the horses they could find, and forcing great numbers of the peasantry to join them.

On receiving this intelligence, Lord Derby at once altered his plan, and instead of proceeding to Chester, struck across the country towards Knutsford, resting for the night at Nether Peover.

Next morning, he ascertained that the prince was advancing with his whole force to Knutsford, and rode on to meet him.

Ere long abundant evidences were afforded that a large army was on the march. Most of the farmhouses were deserted, and the country folk were flying in all directions, fearful of being compelled to serve as recruits.

At length the advanced guard of the Royal army came in sight. It consisted of five hundred lancers, and a like number of cuirassiers, all well mounted and completely armed-the foremost being furnished with steel caps, gorgets, and breast-plates, and the latter with polished cuirasses, that glittered in the sun. Then followed several regiments of harquebussiers and dragoons. These did not make quite such a brilliant show as the troops that had gone before them, but were quite as serviceable in the field-if not more so. The artillery consisted of twenty large cannons, each drawn by four strong horses. These pieces of ordnance had just been used at Newark.

The infantry, which we have said was not so numerous as the horse, comprised six regiments, each five hundred strong, and besides there were a thousand pikemen and billmen.

Viewed from the brow of a hill, as Lord Derby first beheld it, with its flags flying, and its numerous richly accoutred officers riding with their men, this large army presented a splendid sight, well calculated to fill the earl with martial enthusiasm. Equal ardour was kindled in Standish's breast, and he longed to join the force, which appeared to him resistless.

Having gazed at the spectacle for a few minutes and listened to the stirring strains that added so materially to its effect, the earl rode down the hill, and galloped past the lancers and cuirassiers till he met the prince, with whom were several officers of distinction. Most of them were fine-looking men, but not to compare with their valiant leader.

As usual Prince Rupert was magnificently accoutred, and bestrode a powerful charger. Elated by his recent successes, confident in his ability to subdue the foe on any future engagement, and burning for revenge, he looked full of spirit, though even when thus excited, his countenance had a stern expression, and when he spoke his eyes seemed occasionally to flash fire.

The prince was much surprised to behold the Earl of Derby, as he had not expected to meet him on the march, but he greeted him most cordially.

No halt was made. The officers who were with the prince when Lord Derby came up fell back, and left them together.

They then rode side by side, and were soon engaged in earnest discourse, which was conducted in a low tone.

Rupert's expression became fiercer, and his eye blazed as he listened to what the earl said to him.

Notwithstanding the representations made to him, it seemed that the prince had not exactly comprehended the condition of the countess at Lathom House, nor was he aware of the indignities to which she had been subjected. But when Lord Derby explained what had really occurred during the siege, he was exceedingly wroth.

"I had no idea my cousin, the countess, had been so much distressed by these insolent rebels," he said; "but I promise you she shall be speedily delivered from them. I will do nothing till I have succoured her, and avenged her on her malicious enemies."

"I thank your highness for these promises which I am sure will be fulfilled," replied the earl. "Had my noble wife been able to contend with her enemies she would not have asked for assistance. But she fears that the garrison may be reduced by famine."

"That shall never be," cried Prince Rupert. "In a few days I shall be before the castle, and we shall then see how long the siege will endure."

"Again I thank your highness in my wife's name and my own," said the earl. "Had I not lost all my men before I retired to the Isle of Man, it would not have been needful for me to apply to you for aid. But your soldiers shall be well rewarded for the service they will render me. I have brought three thousand pounds in gold with me, which I will place in your highness's hands to be distributed among them when the siege is raised."

"By my faith! you have done well, cousin, and I thank you heartily," cried Rupert. "My men want pay as you are well aware, and this will gratify them."

"It is right your highness should know that the money is the produce of my wife's jewels," said the earl. "Your cousin, the countess, therefore, will reward the men."

"They shall know that," said the prince; "and they will then comprehend what sacrifices are made for the king. His majesty himself shall know it."

"After the siege is raised, I make no doubt I shall be able to bring his majesty large bodies of men," said the earl. "But in the present state of Lancashire, which is now entirely in the hands of the rebels, it is impossible to do so."

"All that shall speedily be changed," said Rupert. "I mean to storm Bolton and Wigan."

"I rejoice to hear it," said the earl. "With this force neither place will be able to withstand your assault. You mean to enter the county, I conclude, by Stockport Bridge?"

"Such is my design," replied the prince.

"The pass will be strongly defended," observed the earl.

"I count upon that," rejoined the prince. "But if they bring all the force they can muster from Manchester and elsewhere, they will not prevent my entrance. Your lordship must help me. You shall have the command of my cuirassiers."

"I thank your highness," replied the earl. "If we do not cut our way through all opposition, it shall not be my fault."

Knutsford, then but a very small town, afforded poor quarters for so large a force. Tents were therefore pitched in Tatton Park, while Toft Hall, Booth's Hall, Mere Hall, and several other habitations in the neighbourhood were occupied. The prince and the Earl of Derby, with some of the chief officers, found lodgings at Tabley Hall, the residence of Sir Peter Leicester. Sir Peter, who had suffered much for his loyalty, gave them a hearty welcome, but his house had been recently plundered by the Parliamentary soldiers.

On arriving at Tabley Hall, Lord Derby's first business was to deliver to the prince the sum of money he had promised him. Rupert smiled as the bags of gold were placed before him by Standish, and after he had transferred them with some private instructions to his paymaster, he said: "Lord Derby informs me, Captain Standish, that you are about to return to Lathom House and hope to gain an entrance, in spite of the besiegers. Should you succeed in doing so, tell the countess to be of good cheer. I shall shortly come to her succour."

"Your highness may be sure that no message could give her ladyship greater satisfaction," replied Standish, "and I hope soon to deliver it. If fortune favours me, I shall see her ladyship to-morrow morn."

"Good," rejoined Rupert, approvingly. "Are you alone?"

"I have one attendant with me, your highness."

"You can depend upon him?" said the prince.

"He brought me safely through the trenches, your highness, so I think he will take me back."

"The man may be trusted," observed the earl. "He conveyed a letter to the countess from Chester. I shall not write to her now. Your highness's message will suffice. When she learns that relief is at hand, she will be perfectly content."

II.

How Standish returned to Lathom House, but stayed to sup at Knowsley on the Way thither

EVENING was coming on, when Standish, attended by Linacre, set out from Tabley Hall.

On his way to Daresbury, whither he speeded, he encountered several foraging parties, but as they belonged to Prince Rupert's army, they did not molest him.

From Daresbury he galloped on to the ferry that had served his turn in the morning, crossed the Mersey to Penketh, and went on at the same rapid pace to Prescot. His intention was to halt at Knowsley, and he hoped to reach the house before its inmates had retired to rest.

He succeeded in his design, and astonished Don Fortunio and Engracia by his unexpected appearance in the great banqueting-hall. Engracia uttered a cry when she beheld him.

"Is it possible you can have returned so soon?" she said. "You gave us no hopes of seeing you again."

"I had no expectation of returning immediately when I left you," he replied. "But I have tidings that will delight you. Prince Rupert is coming with a large force to the countess's relief. I have seen him, and am on the way to Lathom with a message from his highness."

And he hastily recounted all that had occurred. They listened with the greatest satisfaction to his narration, and so did Randal Fermor, who was present at the time.

"You must be fatigued by your long ride, sir," said the old steward, filling a goblet with wine, and presenting it to him.

"Touch the cup with your lips ere I drink, I pray you, fair damsel," said Standish.

She complied, exclaiming at the same time: "To the countess's speedy deliverance."

While Standish emptied the goblet, Don Fortunio likewise drank the same toast, and as it was now quite evident that the young man stood in need of some refreshment, the steward pressed him to sit down at the table, at the same time placing part of a cold fowl before him.

To bear him company, Don Fortunio, who had finished supper, began again, and even Engracia ate a little more. But while thus taking care of himself he was not unmindful of his attendant, but sent Randal to look after Linacre and the horses.

Having rested sufficiently, and renovated his strength by a good supper, Standish took leave of his friends, and again set forth on his perilous journey.

The night was dark, but he rode swiftly through the park with his attendant, crossed the moors safely, and entered the wood beyond which lay the camp of the enemy. Here he halted for awhile to consult with his attendant.

The greatest caution was now required. Linacre thought they might be able to steal through the camp unperceived, but if the alarm should be given, they must trust to the swiftness of their horses.

At length, they issued from the wood, peering through the gloom, and listening anxiously for any sound, but they had not proceeded far when they were challenged by a sentinel whom they had not been able to distinguish in the gloom.

As they made no answer the man fired, upon which they dashed on, determined at all hazards to pass through the camp. But the alarm had been given, drums were beaten, and several more shots fired.

Linacre displayed great skill in avoiding the danger. At his earnest request he was allowed to take the lead, and it was well that Standish consented to his guidance, as by the various turns he made, he completely perplexed the enemy, and caused them to fire upon one another.

At last, Standish and his attendant cleared the camp, and without hurt or hindrance to themselves or their steeds; but other sentinels had to be passed. They freed themselves from the first who challenged them by shooting him, and then galloped towards the trenches. They were next pursued by a mounted guard, who shouted to them to stop, and fired at them when they refused, and the pursuit continued till they reached the fortifications.

Meanwhile, the firing had been heard by the musketeers on the ramparts, and suspecting what was taking place, Captain Chisenhale, who had a party of men in readiness, instantly sallied forth from the postern-gate, and fired a volley at the nearest battery.

This was done to distract the enemy's attention, and proved completely successful, while it served to direct Standish and his attendant in their course, and they now made for that part of the trenches which was nearest the gateway.

But their pursuers were not far behind, and shouted to their comrades to stop them, but the cries were unheard. The fugitives got through the trenches, killing three men who sought to check them, and though pursued to the last, crossed the drawbridge in safety, and entered the gateway.

"Has the countess retired to rest?" asked Standish, as he rode into the court.

"Her ladyship is in the chapel," replied Captain Ogle, to whom the inquiry was addressed. "She has ordered a special service to-night."

"Come with me thither," cried Standish, leaping from his steed. "I have news you will be glad to hear."

When they reached the chapel, the service was just finished, and the soldiers who had attended it were coming forth.

Standish ordered them to wait outside, and entering the little fane, met the countess and Arch-deacon Rutter.

She was greatly surprised, but had not time to question him, ere he spoke.

"I bring a message to your ladyship from Prince Rupert," he said. "His highness is coming to succour you. You may expect him ere many days."

"Heaven, then, has heard my prayers," she exclaimed.

III.

How Stockport Bridge was defended by Colonels Duckenfield and Mainwaring, and how it was taken by Prince Rupert and the Earl of Derby

THE tidings brought by Standish that Prince Rupert and the Earl of Derby were marching to succour the countess quickly spread through the garrison, and caused so much excitement, that the musketeers were with difficulty prevented from shouting out to the enemy.

The countess, however, gave the strictest orders that no manifestation whatever should be made, and her injunctions were enforced by Major Farrington and the officers.

Standish had explained to her ladyship that the prince and the earl meant to enter Lancashire by Stockport Bridge, which was certain to be defended by a strong force of the enemy, and that till this pass was won, she must not reckon upon the immediate appearance of her deliverers.

The well-judging lady was of the same opinion, and though she had no apprehension of the result of the conflict which she felt must ensue at Stockport, she would not allow any precautions to be neglected.

"On the contrary we must be more vigilant than ever," she said, "lest the enemy should make a last attempt to assault the castle before they are forced to abandon the siege."

"My counsel is that we should make another grand sortie," said Major Farrington, "and if we can, drive the enemy from the trenches, before our friends arrive, so that the honour may rest-as it should do-with your ladyship."

"I am quite satisfied with what I have done," she replied. "I do not desire to expose my brave soldiers and their officers to heedless risk."

"I beseech your ladyship not to think of us," observed Standish. "We all long to punish the enemy, and shall be grievously disappointed if we have not another opportunity of doing so. Besides, there is nothing to fear. In the numerous sorties we have made our losses have been trifling."

"That is true," replied the countess. "Heaven has fought with us. My brave soldiers shall not be deprived of the honour they covet. If the prince and my lord arrive not here in three days, another sortie shall be made."

"Why should it not be made to-night, madam?" said Standish.

"No-that must not be," she replied. "Were any disaster to occur, my lord would blame me."