The Manchester Rebels of the Fatal '45 Read online

  "Not directly," replied the colonel. "His father, Sir Randolph, whowas friendly to the Hanoverian succession, was alive then, and he didnot dare to offend him."

  "I thought the Rawcliffes were a Roman Catholic family?" remarked Dr.Deacon.

  "Sir Randolph abjured the faith of his fathers," said Colonel Townley;"and his elder son, Oswald, was likewise a renegade. Sir Richard, ofwhom we are now speaking, succeeded his brother Sir Oswald on thefailure of the heir."

  "It has never been positively proved that the heir is dead," observedDr. Byrom. "Sir Oswald Rawcliffe married the beautiful HenriettaConway, and had a son by her, who was carried off while an infant in amost mysterious manner, and has never been heard of since. Thishappened in '24, but I cannot help thinking the true heir to RawcliffeHall may yet be found."

  "Meantime, Sir Richard is in possession of the title and property,"said Colonel Townley.

  As he spoke, the door was opened by the landlord, who ushered in atall personage, whom he announced as Sir Richard Rawcliffe.

  Bowing to the company, all of whom rose on his entrance, Sir Richardsprang forward to meet Colonel Townley, and a hearty greeting passedbetween them.

  It would have been difficult to determine the new-comer's age, but hewas not fifty, though he looked much older. His features werehandsome, but strongly marked, and had a sombre expression, which,however, disappeared when he was animated by converse. His eyes weredark and penetrating, and overhung by thick black brows. His pallidcomplexion and care-worn looks seemed to denote that he was out ofhealth. Altogether, it was a face that could not be regarded withoutinterest. He wore a dark riding-dress, with boots drawn above theknee. A black peruke descended over his shoulders, and a sword hung byhis side.

  Habitually, Sir Richard Rawcliffe's manner was haughty, but he wasextremely affable towards the present company, expressing himselfdelighted to meet Dr. Byrom again. Towards Dr. Deacon he was almostdeferential.

  While they were exchanging civilities, Diggles, the landlord,re-appeared with a fresh bottle of claret and clean glasses; andbumpers being filled, Colonel Townley called out, "Here's to ourmaster's health!"

  The toast having been drunk with enthusiasm, Diggles, preparatory tohis departure, inquired whether the gentlemen desired to be private.

  "No," replied Colonel Townley. "I will see my _friends_. I don't thinkyou will introduce a Hanoverian, Diggles."

  "You may trust me, colonel," said the landlord. "No Whig shall enterhere."

  After another glass of wine, Colonel Townley said to the baronet--

  "Now, Sir Richard, let us to business. I hope you bring us somerecruits. We are terribly in want of them."

  "I am surprised to hear that," replied Sir Richard; "and I regret thatI cannot supply your need. All my tenants refuse to go out. 'Tis toexplain this difficulty that I have come to Manchester. Money I canpromise his royal highness, but not men."

  "Well, money will be extremely useful to him. How much may I ventureto tell him you will furnish?"

  "A thousand pounds," replied Sir Richard. "I have brought it with me.Here 'tis," he added, giving him a pocket-book.

  "By my faith, this is very handsome, Sir Richard, and I am sure theprince will be much beholden to you. I am about to join him atLancaster, and I will place the money in the hands of his treasurer,Mr. Murray. If every Jacobite gentleman in Cheshire would contribute alike sum his royal highness would not lack funds."

  Both Dr. Byrom and Dr. Deacon expressed their sense of the baronet'sliberality.

  "I am amazed by what you just stated about your want of recruits,"said Sir Richard. "I understood that some thousands had been enrolledin Manchester."

  Significant looks passed between the others, and Colonel Townleyshrugged his shoulders.

  "I am sorry to be obliged to undeceive you, Sir Richard," he said."The enrolment has proceeded very badly."

  "But you have the leading merchants with you. They are all pledged tothe House of Stuart."

  "They are indifferent to their pledges."

  "Zounds!" exclaimed Sir Richard. "I was wholly unprepared for this. Atall the Jacobite meetings I have attended, the boldest talkers wereyour Manchester merchants. How many campaigns have they fought overthe bottle! But are there no young men in the town who will rallyround the prince's standard?"

  "Plenty, I am sure, Sir Richard," replied Dr. Deacon. "When the drumis beaten, numbers will answer to the call."

  "Better they should enrol themselves beforehand, so that we might knowon whom we can count. You have so much influence, Dr. Deacon, that youought to be able to raise a regiment yourself. Your sons might lendyou aid. They must have many friends."

  "Theodore Deacon has already found me a fine young fellow, whom Ishould like to make an officer," observed Colonel Townley.

  "Ah! who may that be?"

  "You will be little the wiser when I mention his name, Sir Richard.'Tis Atherton Legh."

  "Atherton Legh. Is he of a Lancashire family?"

  "I am unable to answer that question, Sir Richard. In fact, there is amystery about him. But he is a gentleman born, I'm certain. You wouldsay so yourself were you to see him. Ah! the opportunity offers--herehe is."

  As he spoke the door was opened, and the young man in question wasushered in by the landlord.

  CHAPTER V.

  INTRODUCES OUR HERO.

  Atherton Legh had a fine, open, intelligent countenance, clear greyeyes, classically moulded features, a fresh complexion, and a tallgraceful figure. His manner was frank and prepossessing. Hishabiliments were plain, but became him well, and in lieu of a peruke,he wore his own long, flowing, brown locks. His age might be aboutone-and-twenty.

  Such was the tall, handsome young man who stood before the company,and it may be added that he displayed no embarrassment, though he feltthat a scrutinising look was fixed upon him by the baronet.

  "Was I not right, Sir Richard?" whispered Colonel Townley. "Has he notthe air of a gentleman?"

  The baronet assented; adding in an undertone, "Tell me, in a word, whoand what he is?"

  "I have already stated that a mystery attaches to his birth, and socarefully is the secret kept, that, although he has a guardian whosupplies him with funds, he is not even acquainted with his guardian'sname."

  "Strange!" exclaimed the baronet.

  "Shall I present him to you, Sir Richard?"

  "By all means," was the reply.

  Colonel Townley then went up to the young man, shook hands with him,and after a little talk, brought him to Sir Richard, who rose on hisapproach, and received him very graciously.

  But though the baronet's manner was exceedingly courteous, Athertonfelt unaccountably repelled. Sir Richard's features seemed familiar tohim, but he could not call to mind where he had seen him.

  "I hope you have come to signify to Colonel Townley your adhesion tothe cause of King James the Third?" remarked Sir Richard.

  "Yes, yes, he means to join us," cried Colonel Townley, hastily. "I amenchanted to see him. Say that you will belong to the ManchesterRegiment, Mr. Atherton Legh--say the word before these gentlemen--andI engage that you shall have a commission."

  "You are too good, sir," said the young man.

  "Not at all," cried the colonel. "I could not do his royal highness agreater service than to bring him such a fine young fellow."

  "I shall seem but ill to repay your kindness, colonel," said Atherton,"when I decline the honourable post you offer me. I would serve in theranks were I a free agent. You are aware that I have a guardian, whomI feel bound to obey as a father. Since you spoke to me this morning Ihave received a letter from him, peremptorily forbidding me to jointhe prince. After this interdiction, which I dare not disobey, I amcompelled to withdraw the half promise I gave you."

  "Were I in Colonel Townley's place I should claim fulfilment of thepromise," observed Sir Richard. "As a man of honour you cannotretract."

  "Nay, I must say Mr. Atherton Legh did not absolutely pledge himself,"said Colonel Townl
ey; "and he is perfectly at liberty, therefore, towithdraw if he deems proper. But I hope he will reconsider hisdecision. I shall be truly sorry to lose him. What is your opinion ofthe matter, sir?" he added, appealing to Dr. Deacon. "Is Mr. AthertonLegh bound to obey his guardian's injunctions?"

  "Assuredly not," replied the doctor, emphatically. "Duty to asovereign is paramount to every other consideration. A guardian has noright to impose such restraint upon a ward. His authority does notextend so far."

  "But he may have the power to stop his ward's allowance, if hisauthority be set at defiance," remarked Dr. Byrom. "Therefore, I thinkMr. Atherton Legh is acting very prudently."

  "My opinion is not asked, but I will venture to offer it," observedSir Richard. "Were I in Mr. Atherton Legh's place, I would run therisk of offending my guardian, and join the prince."

  "I am inclined to follow your counsel, Sir Richard," cried the youngman.

  "No, no--you shall not, my dear fellow," interposed Colonel Townley."Much as I desire to have you with me, you shall not be incited totake a step you may hereafter repent. Weigh the matter over. When Ireturn to Manchester you can decide. Something may happen in theinterim."

  Atherton bowed, and was about to retire, when Sir Richard stopped him.

  "I should like to have a little talk to you, Mr. Atherton Legh," hesaid, "and shall be glad if you will call upon me to-morrow at noon. Iam staying at this inn."

  "I will do myself the honour of waiting upon you, Sir Richard,"replied the young man.

  "I ought to mention that my daughter is with me, and she is an ardentJacobite," remarked Sir Richard.

  "If I have Miss Rawcliffe's assistance, I foresee what will happen,"remarked Colonel Townley, with a laugh. "Her arguments are sure toprove irresistible. I consider you already enrolled. Au revoir!"

  CHAPTER VI.

  ADVICE.

  Atherton Legh had quitted the inn, and was lingering in themarket-place, not altogether satisfied with himself, when Dr. Byromcame forth and joined him.

  "Our road lies in the same direction," said the doctor. "Shall we walktogether?"

  "By all means, sir," replied the young man.

  It was a beautiful night, calm and clear, and the moon shone brightlyon the tower of the collegiate church, in the vicinity of which Dr.Byrom resided.

  "How peaceful the town looks to-night," observed Byrom. "But in a fewdays all will be tumult and confusion."

  "I do not think any resistance will be offered to the insurgents,sir," replied Atherton; "and luckily the militia is disbanded, thoughI believe a few shots would have dispersed them had they attempted toshow fight."

  "No, there will be no serious fighting," said Byrom. "Manchester willsurrender at discretion. I don't think the prince will remain herelong. He will raise as many recruits as he can, and then march on. Ihave no right to give you advice, young sir, but I speak to you as Iwould to my own son. You have promised to call upon Sir RichardRawcliffe to-morrow, and I suppose you will be as good as your word."

  "Of course."

  "Then take care you are not persuaded to disobey your guardian. Thereis a danger you do not apprehend, and I must guard you against it.Miss Rawcliffe is exceedingly beautiful, and very captivating--atleast, so I have been informed, for I have never seen her. Her fatherhas told you she is an ardent Jacobite. As such she will deem it herduty to win you over to the good cause, and she will infalliblysucceed. Very few of us are proof against the fascinations of a youngand lovely woman. Though Sir Richard might not prevail, his daughterwill."

  "I must go prepared to resist her," replied Atherton, laughing.

  "You miscalculate your strength, young man," said Byrom, gravely."Better not expose yourself to temptation."

  "Nay, I must go," said Atherton. "But I should like to know somethingabout Sir Richard Rawcliffe. Has he a son?"

  "Only one child--a daughter. Besides being very beautiful, as I havejust described her, Constance Rawcliffe will be a great heiress."

  "And after saying all this, you expect me to throw away the chance ofmeeting so charming a person. But don't imagine I am presumptuousenough to aspire to a wealthy heiress. I shall come away heart-whole,and bound by no pledges stronger than those I have already given."

  "We shall see," replied Dr. Byrom, in a tone that implied considerabledoubt.

  They had now arrived at the door of the doctor's residence--atolerably large, comfortable-looking house, built of red brick, in theplain, formal style of the period.

  Before parting with his young companion, Dr. Byrom thought itnecessary to give him a few more words of counsel.

  "It may appear impertinent in me to meddle in your affairs," he said;"but believe that I am influenced by the best feelings. You arepeculiarly circumstanced. You have no father--no near relative toguide you. An error now may be irretrievable. Pray consult me beforeyou make any pledge to Sir Richard Rawcliffe, or to Dr. Deacon."

  There was so much paternal kindness in his manner that Atherton couldnot fail to be touched by it.

  "I will consult you, sir," he said, in a grateful tone; "and I thankyou deeply for the interest you take in me."

  "Enough," replied Dr. Byrom. "I shall hope to see you soon again. Giveme your impressions of Constance Rawcliffe."

  He then bade the young man good-night, rang the door bell, and enteredthe house.

  CHAPTER VII.

  RENCOUNTER NEAR THE OLD TOWN CROSS.

  A path led across the south side of the large churchyard surroundingthe collegiate church, and on quitting Dr. Byrom, Atherton took hisway along it, marching past the old gravestones, and ever and anonglancing at the venerable pile, which, being completely lighted up bythe moonbeams, presented a very striking appearance. So bright was themoonlight that the crocketed pinnacles and grotesque gargoyles couldhave been counted. The young man was filled with admiration of thepicture. On reaching the western boundary of the churchyard, he pausedto gaze at the massive tower, and having contemplated its beauties fora few minutes, he proceeded towards Salford Bridge.

  It has already been stated that this was the oldest and mostpicturesque part of the town. All the habitations were of timber andplaster, painted black and white, and those immediately adjoining thecollegiate church on the west were built on a precipitous rockoverlooking the Irwell.

  Wherever a view could be obtained of the river, through any openingamong these ancient houses--many of which were detached--a verycharming scene was presented to the beholder. The river here made awide bend, and as it swept past the high rocky bank, and flowed ontowards the narrow pointed arches of the old bridge, its course wasfollowed with delight, glittering as it then did in the moonbeams.

  The old bridge itself was a singular structure, and some of the oldhouses on the opposite side of the river vied in picturesque beautywith those near the church.

  Atherton was enraptured with the scene. He had made his way to thevery edge of the steep rocky bank, so that nothing interfered with theprospect.

  Though the hour was by no means late--the old church clock had onlyjust struck ten--the inhabitants of that quarter of the town seemed tohave retired to rest. All was so tranquil that the rushing of thewater through the arches of the bridge could be distinctly heard.

  Soothed by the calmness which acted as a balm upon his somewhatover-excited feelings, the young man fell into a reverie, during whicha very charming vision flitted before him.

  The description given him of the lovely Constance Rawcliffe hadpowerfully affected his imagination. She seemed to be the ideal offeminine beauty which he had sought, but never found. He painted hereven in brighter colours than she had been described by Dr. Byrom, andwith all the romantic folly of a young man was prepared to fall madlyin love with her--provided only she deigned to cast the slightestsmile upon him.

  Having conjured up this exquisite phantom, and invested it with charmsthat very likely had no existence, he was soon compelled to dismissit, and return to actual life. It was time to go home, and good WidowHeywood, with
whom he lodged, would wonder why he stopped out so late.

  Heaving a sigh, with which such idle dreams as he had indulgedgenerally end, he left the post of vantage he had occupied, and, withthe design of proceeding to Deansgate, tracked a narrow alley thatquickly brought him to Smithy Bank. The latter thoroughfare led to thebridge. Lower down, but not far from the point of junction withDeansgate, stood the old Town Cross.

  Hitherto the young man had not seen a single individual in the streetssince he left the Bull's Head, and it therefore rather surprised himto perceive a small group of persons standing near the Cross, to whichallusion has just been made.

  Two damsels, evidently from their attire of the higher rank, attendedby a young gentleman and a man-servant--the latter being stationed ata respectful distance from the others--were talking to a well-mountedhorseman, in whom Atherton had no difficulty in recognising ColonelTownley. No doubt the colonel had started on his journey to Lancaster.With him was a groom, who, like his master, was well mounted and wellarmed.

  Even at that distance, Atherton remarked that Colonel Townley's mannerwas extremely deferential to the young ladies--especially towards theone with whom he was conversing. He bent low in the saddle, andappeared to be listening with deep interest and attention to what shesaid. Both this damsel and her fair companion were so muffled up thatAtherton could not discern their features, but he persuaded himselfthey must be good-looking. A fine shape cannot easily be disguised,and both had symmetrical figures, while the sound of their voices wasmusical and pleasant.