RUDELY awakened from his slumbers at a far earlier hour than he usually allowed himself to be disturbed, by the intelligence that Wills was marching to attack him with his whole force, and scarcely able, even then, to credit the unwelcome news, and with an aching head, General Forster attired himself in haste, and, ordering a small troop of horse to attend him, rode forth to reconnoitre.

On reaching the Ribble Bridge, he found a party of Highlanders placed there, and was informed by Colonel Farquharson, who commanded them, that the king's army was certainly approaching.

Still doubting, the general rode on for a few miles further, when he descried the vanguard of the enemy, and quickly turned back.

In the interval the Highlanders had left the bridge, their place being taken by three hundred of Lord Derwentwater's men, under the command of Captain Shaftoe. Angry that this change should have been made without his sanction, Forster ordered Shaftoe to abandon the bridge and return to the town.

The order was very reluctantly obeyed. Captain Shaftoe would fain have proceeded to Penwortham to dislodge Parson Woods, but was not allowed.

Immediately on his return to the town, General Forster summoned a council of war, which was attended by all the English and Scottish leaders. They were quite alive to the danger of their position, and evidently had very little reliance either on the judgment or skill of their commander.

Under these circumstances the advice of Brigadier Mackintosh was urgently requested by Lord Derwent-water and others.

“You have greater military experience than any of us, brigadier,” said the earl. “What plan do you suggest?”

“Will you follow out my plan, if I offer it?” said the brigadier.

“We will,” replied the earl. “If we waste time in discussion, the enemy will be upon us.”

“Aweel, then,” said Mackintosh. “It will be useless to defend the bridge, since the river is fordable in many places, nor do I think it would be safe to risk a battle outside the town, because the Highlanders have not yet learned to face cavalry. Nothing frightens them so much as a charge of horse. For this reason I would have the battle take place within the town, where the cavalry, of which the enemy's force chiefly consists, will be least serviceable, and where the Highlanders will fight well. Barricades and intrenchments can be thrown up in different parts of the streets, so as to impede the advance of the enemy, and a destructive fire can be poured upon them from the roofs and windows of the houses.”

All approved of the plan, except Forster, and he was overruled.

“How many barricades shall we require?—and where do you propose to erect them?” said Lord Widdring-ton.

“Four will suffice,” replied the brigadier. “In fact, we haven't time to form more The first shall be placed a little below the church, and as it is likely to be the chief object of attack, I will take the command of it myself.”

“Why not make it at the extreme end of the street, so as to prevent the entrance of the enemy?” said Forster.

“There are so many lanes and avenues thereabouts that I should require more men than I possess to defend the post,” replied the brigadier. “The second barrier will be best placed, in my opinion, at the back of the house now occupied by Lord Derwentwater, and I would have it commanded by Lord Charles Murray.”

“I accept the post,” replied the gallant young nobleman.

“The third barrier should be in the Fishergate,” pursued the brigadier; “and it would be well served by Lord Strathmore's men, under the command of Captain Douglas.”

“I am glad you have named me to a post of danger, brigadier,” said Captain Douglas. “I'll do my best to maintain it.”

“The last battery must be near the windmill in the Lancaster avenue.” said the brigadier; “and I will confide it to my kinsman, Colonel Mackintosh, and his men.”

“I'll take it,” replied the colonel; “and keep it—as long as I can.”

“And now let us set to work at once,” said the brigadier. “We haven't a minute to lose.”

Thereupon they all went forth, and each person, to whom the construction and command of a barricade had been committed, called his men together, and proceeded to the appointed spot.

Such extraordinary exertions were made, and so many hands employed, that in an incredibly short space of time intrenchments were thrown up, and strong barriers formed.

The Earl of Derwentwater and Charles Radclyffe, assisted in person in the formation of the Churchgate barrier. Stripping off their coats they worked like pioneers, and were greatly encouraged by the presence of the countess and Dorothy Forster.

As soon as the Churchgate barrier was completed, two of the ship guns brought from Lancaster were placed upon it and entrusted to the management of Tom Syddall and some of his men.

While these defensive preparations were going on, all the houses in Church-street and the Fishergate were filled with Highlanders and dismounted troopers, ready to fire upon the enemy from window, roof, and cellar.

In these two streets were the best houses of the town, and here Brigadier Mackintosh anticipated that the chief attack would be made.

The church, as already mentioned, was surrounded by an extensive churchyard, and here—as the most available place for the purpose—a strong force was collected.

On the north side of the edifice were posted the Low-landers and Northumbrian gentlemen—the latter being now dismounted—under the command of Colonel Ox-burgh and Colonel Brereton, who had lately joined as a volunteer.

On the south side were planted the Borderers, likewise dismounted, under the command of Captains Douglas and Hunter.

In a small street adjoining Sir Henry Hoghton's house, a small barrier had been formed by Captain Wogan and his regiment.

All the reserves were posted in the market-place, and here were kept the horses of the dismounted troopers.

While the barriers were being formed, General Forster, attended by a small party of men, rode from point to point to give directions, which were not always obeyed.

Having finished his survey he entered the town-hall, where a great number of ladies had taken refuge—among whom was Mrs. Scarisbrick—and assured them they had nothing to fear.

“The enemy will never be able to penetrate the centre of the town,” he said. “All the fighting will take place at the barricades. We shall soon force them to retreat.”

“I am glad to find you are so confident,” said Mrs. Scarisbrick. “For my own part I confess I feel very uneasy—though I don't doubt the bravery of our troops.”

“My preparations are so well made that we are quite unassailable,” said Forster. “The barriers will never be passed. Lady Derwentwater and my sister entertain so little apprehension of the result of the attack that they do not mean to quit Sir Henry Hoghton's house, but will station themselves on the roof to witness the attack on the battery.”

“I begin to think I should like to see the commencement of the attack,” remarked Mrs. Scarisbrick. “It must be a very curious sight. And since you say there is no danger——”

“I don't say so,” interrupted Forster. “On the contrary, there is very great danger. Stay where you are. You are quite safe here.”

“No, I will go,” she cried. “My curiosity is aroused. You shall take me to Sir Henry Hoghton's house.”

“Don't ask me!” he cried. “I won't do it.”

The lady, however, being determined, he was obliged to comply.

Ordering a trooper to follow him with his horse, he conducted her to Church-street, which was now full of soldiers, and left her at the entrance to Sir Henry Hoghton's house. She would not allow him to go further, saying, she could easily find her way to the roof.