Thinking Nathan might be useful, the earl bade him follow, and hastened away with his brother.
VII.—HOW THE MAGISTRATES AND THE MILITIAMEN WERE FORCED TO QUIT THE CASTLE.
The farm to which reference has just been made, lay on the other side of the castle, and was distant about half a mile from the woodcutter's hut.
The earl and his companions, however, proceeded so expeditiously that they were soon there, but as they were tracking a lane that led to the farm buildings they encountered a man, who had evidently been reconnoitring the place, and instantly secured him.
This proved to be Jesmond, and though armed, he did not offer any resistance—probably thinking it would be useless. Disarming him, and giving the weapons to Nathan, the earl told the latter to shoot the man if he attempted to fly.
An additional guard was found in Cheviot, who had followed his master, and cut off all chance of the prisoner's escape.
In some respects this was an important capture, and the earl hoped to turn it to account. At any rate, he had ascertained that the party were still at the castle, and felt sure he should take them by surprise.
On entering the farm-yard the earl found between thirty and forty stalwart yeomen collected there.