I will rot from this perch piecemeal ere I pray to
yonder ungodly woman. Yet shall I escape out of their hands, but not by
mine own might, or mine own strength," said the lion-hearted captive.
Leaving this indomitable Roundhead to his fate, Moseley returned to the
camp, reporting the ill success of his mission.
Great part of the day was spent in angry discussion, so that Moseley had
nigh forgotten his message from Gideon; yet he remembered it ere he left
the council. Pulling out a coarse bannock, to the great astonishment of
his auditory, he brake it, relating his interview with the captive. Near
to where the prisoner had taken his last mouthful, Moseley found a bit
of crumpled paper. The surprise and dismay of the assembly may be
conceived after he had read the following billet:--
"MY DEAREST HEART,--
"With much joy and comfort I send thee news that his Highness
Prince Rupert hath gotten a great victory over the rebels at
Newark; and I have besought his Majesty that he should march into
Lancashire. By two days, at farthest, these enemies who now
beleaguer my house shall be cut off.
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