No sooner did Parson Woods hear those important names than he called to his men who were concealed by the bank behind him:
“Arise, and follow me! Heaven has delivered into our hands the wife and sister of the principal rebels! Come with me, I say, that we may prevent the flight of the Countess of Derwentwater and Miss Forster.”
So saying, he dashed into the river, followed by his men, and though Captain Douglas fired at him, he was not harmed, but seized the countess's bridle, and detained her; while Dorothy was captured in like manner by some of his men, despite Charles Radclyffe's resistance.
What might have ensued it is impossible to say, since Captain Douglas and his companion were compelled to beat a hasty retreat by the sudden appearance of a party of Pitt's dragoons.
Father Norham and Newbiggin offered no resistance, and were captured with the ladies.
X.—BY WHOM THE COUNTESS AND DOROTHY WERE LIBERATED.
The leader of the troop seemed an important personage, since he was treated with marked deference by Parson Woods. After putting a few questions in an undertone to the minister, he turned to the ladies, and said:
“Am I to understand that I am addressing Lady Derwent water and Miss Forster?”