The disturbance was caused by the arrival of some five or six well-mounted gentlemen, each attended by a dozen armed retainers on horseback, so that they formed quite a troop. A shouting crowd followed them, adding to the noise.
General Forster, who had likewise rushed to the window, was greatly delighted by the sight, since it could not be doubted that these gentlemen had come to join his forces. They had stopped at the entrance to his quarters, and were told by one of the sentinels stationed at the gate, that the general was then at Lord Derwentwater's house on the opposite side of the street.
At this juncture, however, Lord Widdrington came forth, and shook hands very heartily with one of the recruits, a very fine-looking man.
“Who is that handsome and distinguished-looking person?” said the countess to her lord, who had followed her to the window.
“That is Mr. Townley, of Townley,” replied the earl. “He is Lord Widdrington's brother-in-law, and belongs to one of the oldest families in Lancashire. I am rejoiced to see him here.''
“And so am I,” cried Forster, joyfully. “Mr. Townley is a great acquisition. But who is the person next him?”
“I can tell you,” replied Mrs. Scarisbrick. “He is Mr. Shuttleworth of Shuttleworth Hall, and belongs to as old a family as Mr. Townley.”
“Bravo!” exclaimed Forster.
“The gentleman next him,” said Father Norham, who had now come up, “is Sir Francis Anderton, of Lostock Hall—a strict Roman Catholic. I know him well. Next him is another Roman Catholic, Mr. Richard Chorley, of Chorley.”
“Who comes next?” inquired F orster.