"I shall be glad to see him again—but not here," replied Atherton.
"Take the prisoner hence," said the duke to Colonel Conway. "Let him be well treated—but carefully watched."
Colonel Conway bowed, and Atherton was removed by the guard.
[2 ] Smollett's History of England. Reign of George the Second.
CHAPTER IV.
SURRENDER OF CARLISLE TO THE DUKE OF CUMBERLAND.
Shortly after the incident just related, fire was opened from the battery, but not much damage was done; it being the duke's intention to alarm the garrison, rather than injure the town. A few shots were directed against the castle, and struck the massive walls of the keep. The fire was answered by the besieged—but without any effect.
At this juncture it was with great difficulty that the inhabitants could be kept in check, and, with the small force at his command, it became evident to Colonel Townley that he must surrender.
Calling his officers together, he thus addressed them:
"Our position is most critical. Outside the walls we are completely blockaded, and inside the inhabitants are against us. One means of escape has occurred to me; but it is so hazardous, that it ought scarcely to be adopted. A sortie might be made by a small party of horse, and these might succeed in cutting their way through the enemy. If a couple of barges could be found, the rest might manage to float down the Eden."