“You expect impossibilities from us,” replied the general.
“Nothing is impossible,” rejoined Dorothy. “I shall never be content till you have fought a battle and gained a victory. I do not like a retreat.”
“Women know nothing of warfare,” said the general, shrugging his shoulders.
Just then an express arrived from Lord Kenmure, saying that he had arrived at Rothbury with the whole of his force, and desired to know whether he should remain there, or advance.
“Bid him advance!” cried Dorothy.
“Methinks I had best resign my command to you,” observed the general. “But I must beg you to cease this interference.” Then addressing the messenger, he said, “Go back to his lordship and say I will join him to-morrow at Rothbury.”
“Hold, General,” cried the countess. “Had you not better give this matter some consideration?”
“It requires none,” replied Forster. “Take my message to Lord Kenmure,” he added to the messenger, who immediately departed.
After some further conversation, the countess and Dorothy, who had not dismounted, rode back through the woods to the castle.
Meanwhile, Charles Radclyffe and Captain John Shaftoe had set off to Dilston with a dozen men, and after searching the old tower and some other places, brought back all the arms they could find.