Part 79 (2/2)
”Yes, my boy, it really will be to-day, and I'd give anything for this day to be past, and the worst known.”
”But they will give them quarter, father?”
”Yes, my boy, of course, but who can say what may happen in dealing with fierce, reckless men, fighting as they believe for their lives. Those with whom they are engaged may be willing to take them prisoners, but they will fight with terrible desperation, incited by Sir G.o.dfrey's example, and no one can say how the attack will end.”
”Yes, father, I see,” said Fred, sadly, ”but could you not persuade General Hedley to give up the attack?”
Colonel Forrester was silent for a few moments, and then said sadly--
”No.”
”Oh, father! think of Lady Markham and of little Lil.”
”I have thought about them, my boy,” said the colonel, speaking in a slow, measured voice, ”and I have three times over begged of the general to spare the Hall and its defenders, and to let us go on at once.”
”And what did he say?” cried Fred, eagerly.
”He asked me if it was the voice of duty speaking, or that of friends.h.i.+p, and what could I say?”
Fred looked at him piteously.
”How could I leave that nest of hornets to hara.s.s our rear, and gather a fresh and stronger force together, so as to be ready for the next detachment which comes along west. No, boy, I am obliged as an officer to agree with my superior that every man must be cleared out of that Hall before we can stir. Sir G.o.dfrey Markham has his fate in his own hands.”
”What do you mean, father? Surrender?”
”Of course. He shall have due respect paid to him and his followers; but it is madness to expect it of him, even for their sake.”
”For their sake, father?”
”Yes, my boy. There, I may as well tell you. I am not the stern, implacable enemy you think me. I wrote to Sir G.o.dfrey last night, asking him to surrender for his wife and daughter's sake.”
”You did this, father?” cried Fred, eagerly.
”I did, my boy.”
”And what did he say?”
”He sent a stern, insulting message, similar to his last, and those who were with him threatened to crop the next amba.s.sador's ears if he dared present himself at the Hall.”
”Let me go and make another appeal to Sir G.o.dfrey.”
”You heard the threat?” said Colonel Forrester, looking at his son curiously.
”Yes, I heard, father.”
”And will you risk it, if I give you a message to take?”
<script>