Page:Tale of the Rebellion of 1745, or, The broken heart (1).pdf/3



Early in the November of 1745, the news reached Cambridge that Charles Stuart, at the head of his hardy and loyal Highlanders, had crossed the Bor- ders, and taken possession of Carlisle. The inhabi- tants gazed upon each other with terror, for the swords of the clansmen had triumphed over all opposition; they were regarded, also, by the multi- tude as savages, and by the more ignorant as cannibals. But there were others who rejoiced in the success of the young Adventurer, and who, dangerous as it was to confess their joy, took but small pains to conceal it. Amongst that number was James Dawson, the son of a wealthy gentleman in the north of Lancashire, and then a student at St. John’s College. That night he invited a party of friends to sup with him, who held sentiments similar to his own. The cloth was withdrawn, and he rose and gave, as the toast of the evening— His guests fired with his own enthusiasm, rose and received the toast with cheers. The bottle went round—the young men drank deep, and other toasts of a like