After riding away from the exasperated Highlanders, Forster alighted at the town-hall, and meeting Charles Radclyffe and Captain Shaftoe told them what had happened.
“I believe Brigadier Mackintosh has ordered his Highlanders to shoot me,” he said. “My life will not be safe.”
“Do not think it, general,” rejoined Charles Radclyffe. “The brigadier is incapable of such an act. But you had better not expose yourself while the negotiation for the surrender is going on.”
“I shall take care not to do so,” he replied. “I shall remain here for an hour. I want to see Mrs. Scarisbrick.”
“Mrs. Scarisbrick!” exclaimed Charles Radclyffe. “Have you not heard?”
“Heard what?” exclaimed Forster, looking at him in surprise. “I have heard nothing. I have not seen her this morning. I expected to find her here.”
“She is here,” said Charles Radclyffe. “But I cannot explain. Come with me and you shall know all.”
Not without a strange misgiving did Forster follow him along a passage on the ground floor, at a door in which an elderly female was stationed.
“Here you will find her,” said Charles Radclyffe, in a strangely significant tone.
“Impossible!” cried Forster.