XI.—THE TERMS OF THE TREATY ARE ACCEPTED.
A DISMAL day dawned on Preston.
The inhabitants had heard of the capitulation, but did not feel sure it would be carried out—many of the more timid being apprehensive that the town would still be the scene of a most sanguinary conflict.
In the opinion of these persons the Highlanders would not submit, but would make a most desperate attempt to sally forth, which would end in their extermination.
The English insurgents had made up their minds to surrender, and seemed hardly able to realise the position in which they were placed, for most of them displayed unaccountable indifference.
Perhaps they persuaded themselves that clemency would be shown them. If so, they were mistaken. The town-hall was crowded with ladies who had passed the night there, and did not mean to quit the asylum till all was settled.
Once more, and for the last time, Captain Gordon ascended the church-tower at break of day, and looked around.
The besiegers had drawn so much nearer to the town, that they seemed now quite close at hand.
The militia had likewise quitted their position on the south bank of the Ribble, and stationed themselves near the upper end of the Wigan road.
In fact, the town was completely invested, and Captain