“I do not wonder at it, my lord,” remarked Forster. “I am just as anxious about my sister. Would we could get them both safely out of the town—but I fear it is impossible to do so now, since all the avenues are guarded.”
“I will insure their escape from the Fishergate barrier, of which I have the command,” said Captain Douglas.
“But the attempt must not be made before midnight. By crossing the ford, they will be able to gain the Liverpool road. Will the ladies be alone?”
“They will be attended by my chaplain, Father Nor-ham, and my butler, Newbiggin,” replied Lord Derwent' water. “I shall not send my grooms with them, unless General Forster desires it.”
“No, no!” cried Forster. “The fewer the better.”
“Of course, the party will be on horseback?” said Douglas. “I will conduct them to the ford—but there I must leave them.”
“That will suffice,” said the earl. “And I shall be eternally obliged to you for the service.”
“And so shall I,” said Forster.
“At midnight, then, I should be fully prepared,” said Douglas.
With this, he and Forster joined the others at supper in the next room, while Lord Derwentwater proceeded to the town-hall.