Netherdyke; A Tale of the 'Foty-Five.' - Softcover

Inhaltsangabe

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1897 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVI. IN WHICH I VISIT PETER PACEGATE AND ALSO NEWGATE. As I neared Newcastle I found the roads alive with people making for that town, some on foot, some on horseback, and some with carts laden with goods and chattels of all kinds. There was panic in the air, and the most conflicting rumours were floating about concerning the Prince and his army. By some it was even said they were only fifteen miles away, at Morpeth. The country people, who were mowing and binding in the cornfields, left their work in crowds and set off for the town, so that many a farmer lost his harvest for want of hands to get it in. Inside the town the excitement was quite as great. The mayor had ordered the walling-up of some of the town gates, and had called a meeting of townsmen to consider means for the defence of the place. In the midst of a great confusion, people carrying ladders, spades, and pickaxes to the townyard, carts laden with furniture pouring in, and gaping and terrified crowds, I reached the White Hart. Thence I sallied forth on foot to call upon Mr. Hodgson, otherwise Peter Pacegate. Mr. Ralph Hodgson lived in an old-fashioned house, with overhanging stories of timber and brick, situated upon the quayside. He was by calling a hoastman, that is, a sort of town agent for a colliery, who arranged for the sale and shipment of coal. I was fortunate enough to find him in his business office, on the ground-floor of his house, and as soon as we were alone, I handed him a letter I had brought from Netherdyke. He ushered me into a private room at the back, and carefully closed the door. Then he read the letter, after which he tore it across and held the pieces in the flame of a taper, which was burning on the table, until they were reduced to ashes. I stood watching him...

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