Fortunately Forster escaped, but he would not expose himself further. Turning round he galloped back towards the market-place, followed more deliberately by the two noblemen.
Immediately afterwards, the Earl of Nithsdale, the Earl of Wintoun, the Earl of Carnwath, and his brother Captain Dalziel, rode up to the spot, and stopping Colonel Oxburgh, who was about to depart, demanded an explanation.
“We have been betrayed by Forster—that is all that can be told,” cried Mackintosh, scornfully.
“General Forster is no traitor, my lords,” said Oxburgh, firmly. “I have just seen Wills, who refuses to make any treaty with us, and insists that we shall lay down our arms. Our answer must be given within an hour, and but little of it now remains.”
“We have had no time for deliberation,” said Lord Carnwath.
“Perchance, if you go to General Wills in person, my lords, you may obtain some further respite,” said Oxburgh. “I can obtain nothing.”
“Shall I go as representative of the Scottish forces?” said Captain Dalziel.
“Go at once, or it will be too late. You have not many minutes left,” said Oxburgh.
“Do you agree to the step, brigadier?” asked Captain Dalziel.
“Act as those desire who have more to lose than I have,” said Mackintosh.