“We require the Earl of Dervventwater on the part of the English, and Lord Kenmure on that of the Scots,” said Colonel Churchill.
“Why not take General Forster?” asked Captain Dalziel.
“We prefer Lord Derwentwater or Lord Widdring-ton,” replied Churchill, with a singular smile.
“I must tell you frankly, colonel,” said Dalziel, “that in the opinion of the Scots, General Forster has made an arrangement for himself through Colonel Oxburgh with General Wills. It has clearly been ascertained that a lady of great personal beauty, who had extraordinary influence over General Forster, gave secret information to General Wills. Last night she was accidentally shot while returning from a visit—it is supposed—to your camp. Now, when we find that a proposal for surrender is made by General Forster without consulting us—and that when a hostage is required, it is not Forster, but Lord Derwentwater who is selected, can you wonder we believe we are betrayed? Here is a general who refuses to march or fight—who declares the enemy is at a distance when he proves to be close at hand—who has intimate relations with a lady, who acts as a spy—and who proposes to surrender, and makes terms for himself, while we desire to continue the contest—can we doubt that he is a traitor?”
“You do not expect us to sympathise with you because you have an incompetent leader?” said Colonel Churchill.
“Incapacity is one thing—treachery another, colonel,” said Captain Dalziel. “We Scots all believe Forster has played us false. I do not think his life is secure. Take him with you. He will be safer with you than with us.”
“My orders are explicit,” said Churchill. “I must bring either of the English lords I have mentioned, and Lord Kenmure.”
“Lord Kenmure will not come out,” said Dalziel. “Nor will my brother, Lord Carnwath—or any other Scottish noble.”
“Then Brigadier Mackintosh must come with me,” said Churchill.
“The brigadier is gone to bed, greatly fatigued,” replied Dalziel.