V.—CAPTAIN DALZIEL HAS A CONFERENCE WITH WILLS.
Inquiring glances were thrown at the envoy as he rode through the Fishergate barricade, but he went on till he was stopped by Brigadier Mackintosh, who said to him in a fierce voice:
“What means this cessation of arms? Why have you quitted the town? You have been sent by Forster to propose a treaty for capitulation—and without privity or concurrence of the Scots.”
“General Forster has betrayed us—has sold us!” cried several Highlanders. “We will shoot him.”
“No treaty has been agreed upon,” cried Oxburgh in a loud voice, so that all might hear. “I have seen General Wills, who demands an unconditional surrender from all—Scotsmen as well as Englishmen. An hour is granted for consideration—but a fourth part of the time has already expired,” he added, consulting his watch.
“What say you, my men?” cried Mackintosh. “Will you surrender?”
“Never!” they cried. “We will die sword in hand.”
“I warn you that no quarter will be given,” said Oxburgh.
“We will neither give nor take quarter,” cried the Highlanders. “We will show the Southrons how brave men can die.”
“Then I am to understand, brigadier, that you utterly refuse the terms?” said Oxburgh.
“Utterly!” replied Mackintosh.
Just then General Forster was seen coming along on horseback, accompanied by the Earl of Derwentwater and Lord Widdrington.
Fearing some mischief might happen in the present infuriated state of the Highlanders, Oxburgh signed to the general to go back, and the brigadier also called to his men energetically to keep quiet, but despite the interdiction, several shots were fired.
Fortunately Forster escaped, but he would not expose himself further. Turning round he galloped back towards the market-place, followed more deliberately by the two noblemen.
Immediately afterwards, the Earl of Nithsdale, the Earl of Wintoun, the Earl of Carnwath, and his brother Captain Dalziel, rode up to the spot, and stopping Colonel Oxburgh, who was about to depart, demanded an explanation.
“We have been betrayed by Forster—that is all that can be told,” cried Mackintosh, scornfully.
“General Forster is no traitor, my lords,” said Oxburgh, firmly. “I have just seen Wills, who refuses to make any treaty with us, and insists that we shall lay down our arms. Our answer must be given within an hour, and but little of it now remains.”
“We have had no time for deliberation,” said Lord Carnwath.
“Perchance, if you go to General Wills in person, my lords, you may obtain some further respite,” said Oxburgh. “I can obtain nothing.”
“Shall I go as representative of the Scottish forces?” said Captain Dalziel.
“Go at once, or it will be too late. You have not many minutes left,” said Oxburgh.
“Do you agree to the step, brigadier?” asked Captain Dalziel.
“Act as those desire who have more to lose than I have,” said Mackintosh.
“Then go,” cried the three Scottish nobles.
Thereupon, Captain Dalziel rode forth, and preceded by the same trumpeter who had attended Colonel Oxburgh, made all haste to General Wills's tent.
A conference was granted him.
“Are you aware of the terms I have offered to Colonel Oxburgh?” said Wills. “They apply to the whole rebel army—English and Scots. I can make no distinction.”
“But the Scottish chiefs whom I represent, request some further time—say till seven o'clock to-morrow morning—to consult as to the best mode of delivering up our forces. It will not be an easy matter.”
“If you find it difficult, leave it to me,” said Wills, with a stern smile. “I cannot grant the delay you request without consulting General Carpenter—but you shall hear from me.”
And with a haughty bow he dismissed him.