“Mr. Gabriel Hesketh, of Whitehall, near St. Michael's-in-Wyre,” replied Mrs. Scarisbrick. “The young gentleman with him is his son, Mr. Cuthbert Hesketh. Then comes Mr. John Leyburne, of Natesby Hall.”
“But one remains—Mr. Ralph Standish, of Standish,” said Lord Derwentwater. “He is nearly related to Mr. Townley.”
“All these gentlemen belong to the old religion,” observed Father Norham.
“It must be owned that the Roman Catholics have proved loyal to King James,” said Forster.
“If the High Church Tories support us equally well we cannot fail,” said Lord Derwentwater.
“Oh! we are quite sure of them,” said Forster. “But I must go and receive our distinguished recruits. I must beg your lordship to come with me,” he added to Lord Derwentwater.
They were about to leave the room, when the door was thrown open and Lord Widdrington entered with Mr. Townley, whom he presented to General Forster, stating that he was come to join the insurgent force, and Forster had scarcely welcomed him, when the other gentlemen came in, and were presented in like manner.
This little ceremony gone through, Forster expressed his high gratification at the adherence of such distinguished persons, and said:
“To prove how sensible I am of the importance of your accession, gentlemen, you will understand that you all join with the rank of captain, and I am quite certain you will do credit to the troops you will command.”
This courteous act, as judicious as good-natured, gave great satisfaction to the gentlemen, and was suitably acknowledged.