Before mounting his steed, Atherton gave his hand to Markland, who pressed it respectfully, earnestly assuring the young gentleman that all his directions should be followed out.
The old butler then took leave of the sergeant, who had been in readiness for some minutes.
In consequence of the darkness, it was deemed advisable that Holden should lead the way. Accordingly, he was the first to cross the drawbridge, but the others kept close behind him.
CHAPTER XXXII.
ATHERTON'S DECISION IS MADE.
It was with strange sensations that Atherton looked back at the darkling outline of the old mansion, and when it became undistinguishable in the gloom, he felt as if he had been indulging in an idle dream.
But no! the broad domains that spread around him on either side were his own. All he could discern belonged to him.
His meditations were not disturbed by either of his attendants, for the sergeant was a short distance behind him, and the groom about twenty or thirty yards in advance. As they trotted on quickly they were soon out of the park, and were now making their way somewhat more slowly along the road leading to Warrington. Presently they turned off on the right, in order to reach the ford, and were skirting the banks of the Mersey, when Holden came back and said that he perceived some men armed with muskets guarding the ford.
A brief consultation was then held. As the groom declared that the river was only fordable at this point, Atherton resolved to go on at all hazards.
As they drew near the ford they found it guarded—as Holden had stated—by half a dozen armed militia-men, who were evidently determined to dispute their passage.
"Stand! in the king's name!" cried the leader of the party in an authoritative voice. "We can discern that one of you is a Highlander, and we believe you are all rebels and traitors. Stand! I say!"