“I will not fail,” she replied.
General Wills then called to Sir Henry, and after consigning Mrs. Scarisbrick to his care turned to Parson Woods, who was waiting for final orders, and said:
“I have altered my plans, parson. Take Lady Der-wentwater and Miss Forster with their attendants across the river, and then set them free.”
“It shall be done, general,” replied Woods, with a military salute. “Be pleased to follow me, ladies.”
He was not quite so civil to Father Norham and New-biggin.
“I hope we are not liberated at that lady's request,” said the countess. “I would not willingly be under any obligation to her.”
“You need not be uneasy,” said Wills. “You are under no obligation to any one but me. Good-night, ladies. I wish you a safe journey to Dilston. When I tell you that General Carpenter will be here with two thousand men to-morrow, you may be glad to be out of the way.”
He rode off, while the ladies and their companions were taken across the ford by Parson Woods, and then liberated.