“Ye are in a confounded hurry,” cried the earl, detaining him. “Hear me to an end.”
“My lord, I am all attention.”
“When all our forces have assembled, a strong detachment, to consist of five or six regiments, will be sent south to march with the Lowlanders and the Northumbrian insurgents to London. You shall command the detachment. If any man can make a rapid march, you can, brigadier. Long before you reach London, you will have a considerable army, for you are certain to receive large reinforcements in every county through which you pass—especially in Lancashire and Cheshire. You will, therefore, be able to give battle to all the forces the Hanoverian usurper can bring against you. Win that battle and the crown is gained for the prince.”
The brigadier drew his broadsword and kissed the hilt.
“I swear to devote myself to this enterprise!” he cried. “Turn back who may, I never will!”
Thereupon he bowed and retired, looking greatly elated.
III.—HOW THE STANDARD WAS SET UP, AND KING JAMES PROCLAIMED AT CASTLETOWN.
SHORTLY afterwards the whole party proceeded to the castle, where a grand banquet awaited them.