“It seems to me,” said the general, “that my authority is set at naught. A man has been shot as a spy by Brigadier Mackintosh without consulting me, and now orders are given that a guard shall advance towards Wigan. I suppose the next order will be that the whole army shall get ready to march.”
“It ought to be,” said Dorothy. “You are loitering here far too long, and will be surprised by the enemy. Are you aware that General Wills has just been joined by several more regiments?”
“I do not believe a word of it,” rejoined Forster. “Had such been the case, I should certainly have been informed of it.”
“But a scout has just returned from Wigan,” cried the countess. “We have seen him, and spoken with him. Will you not question him yourself?”
“'Tis needless,” said Forster. “The man has been imposed upon.”
“Then you will neither march against the enemy, nor take any steps for the defence of the town?” cried the Earl of Derwentwater.
“Not unless I receive accurate intelligence,” rejoined Forster. “I am under no apprehension.”
“Was there ever such obstinacy?” exclaimed the earl, turning away in disgust. “Nay, 'tis in vain to reason with him,” he added to the countess.
“Your lordship will understand,” said Forster, “that tomorrow I shall commence the march to Manchester.”
“To-morrow we shall not be able to leave Preston,” rejoined the earl.