“Colonel Stanhope cannot move his dragoons without an order from General Wills,” said Sir Henry. “And as to the militia, I can't bring them here because I should deprive Preston of its main defence.”
“That is unfortunate,” observed the Quaker. “The best fighting men in Lancaster are Jacobites, and likely to help the rebels. I would not trust them to serve the cannon.”
“I begin to think you are a Jacobite yourself, Mr. Lawson,” observed Sir Henry. “Since you raise all these difficulties you must order the Robert to leave Sunderland, and move to some other port.”
“I can't do it, friend,” observed the Quaker. “The rebels would consider the step as an injustice to themselves, and assuredly resent it.”
“This truckling to the rebels proves you to be a Jacobite,” said Sir Henry, angrily; “but I will consult my brother magistrates, Mr. Rigby and Colonel Charteris, and if they are of my opinion, we will issue a warrant and seize the arms.”
“Do as it seems good to thee, in regard to the cannon, friend,” rejoined the Quaker. “But counsel thy brother magistrates not to blow up the bridge, as I hear is their intention. They will not thereby hinder the entrance of the rebels, since the river is passable at low water both for horse and foot, and will do great damage to the town.”
“There you are right,” said Sir Henry. “The bridge shall not be destroyed. Have you any further complaints to make?”
“Yea, verily,” replied the Quaker. “I have to complain that a barrel of gunpowder hath been improperly and imprudently wasted by him thou callest Colonel Charteris.”
“How so?” demanded Sir Henry.
“Because he hath caused Samuel Satterthwaite to cast it into the town-well.”