They were contemplating the scene with dismay, when Lord Derwentwater and his friends came up.
“The tables are turned, you perceive, gentlemen,” said the earl, in a mocking tone. “You have come here to arrest me, and are made prisoners yourselves.”
“But your lordship won't detain us,” rejoined Sir William.
“I have no wish to put you to inconvenience, but I shall not let you go, unless you engage to return direct to Newcastle.”
After a short consultation with his brother magistrates, Sir William said, “We agree.”
“You must also deliver up the warrant, and undertake that no further attempt shall be made to arrest me,” said the earl.
“Your lordship must feel that we cannot enter into such an engagement,” replied Mr. Woodburn. “We will deliver up the warrant, but we cannot tell what steps may be taken.”
“Well, I advise you not to come again on the like errand,” said the earl. “One of your officers has fallen into my hands. I shall keep him as a hostage, and if aught happens contrary to our present understanding, I will most assuredly shoot him. Now, gentlemen, you are free to depart as soon as you please.”
Thereupon, the magistrates came down from the perron, on the summit of which they had been standing, and mounted their horses.
By this time all the militiamen were in the saddle, and ready for departure. They muttered threats against the Jacobites, but were glad to escape a conflict with them. When Jesmond found he was to be detained, he begged hard to be set free; but his entreaties were disregarded.