Company Of Spears

Nasmyth stepped forward. ‘Your exploration, Major Hervey: you did not go north of the Thorogood Sluice?’

Hervey was angering, but he spoke calmly. ‘As it happens, I did not. Is there any reason I should not have done so?’

‘Only that I have told my own men that no one would venture beyond there in daylight.’

‘Your own men?’

Colonel Denroche held up a hand. ‘I think we need not go into the details. Is your troop ready, Major Hervey?’

‘It is, Colonel, but as yet they have no orders.’

Colonel Denroche narrowed his eyes. ‘I know that, Hervey. Since I have not given you orders you cannot have given them any. Do not be truculent, sir.’

Hervey would not kick at pricks. He already sensed the night’s work would be vexing enough. ‘We stand ready, Colonel.’

‘How many men can you dispose?’

‘Just short of one hundred.’

‘Very well. When it is quite dark you will take them into Waltham Abbey and await further orders. Muster in Bridge-street, which is perfectly suited. In the event of an attack, which the Rifles are well posted to repel, you will be called up the Powdermill-lane to pursue any who flee, and thereafter to patrol the environs to reassure the townsfolk and the mill workers.’

Hervey, incredulous, sought to clarify the otherwise straightforward instruction. ‘You do not want me to picket the sluice or place men on the common?’ With so inactive a task, he wondered why he might not have had his orders from Major Dalrymple while it was full light.

‘I do not believe that will be necessary. The Sixtieth have a close garrison.’

‘The mills and the storage sheds, Colonel: who shall guard those in the event that anyone is able to slip by the Sixtieth?’

‘I do not see how that could come about, unless by an amphibium.’

‘A rowing boat is not beyond question, surely?’

Colonel Denroche was becoming irritated. ‘Major Hervey, your thoroughness does you credit, but we are dealing with a band of Irish navigators, not His Majesty’s forces. Besides, the mill watch will be attending to that.’

Hervey resolved to stand rebuked, seeing no prospect of persuading the deputy quartermaster-general to address the concern. ‘One further question, Colonel. Mr Nasmyth’s men – how shall they make themselves known if needs be?’

Nasmyth answered before the colonel was able to. ‘You need have no worry on that account, Major Hervey.’

Hervey bridled. ‘I am not mint-new, sir. I have seen affairs enough to know that what may go wrong usually does, and I neither want to shoot your men nor have them shoot mine!’

‘Gentlemen!’ snapped Colonel Denroche. ‘There’s no time for bickering. Major Hervey, just make sure your men stay south of the sluice; and Mr Nasmyth, keep your men well to the north of it!’

The first shot came just after midnight. Hervey, dozing on a straw bale in the Sixtieth’s headquarters (the mill stables) woke at once and sprang up, fastening on his sword belt and reaching for his shako.

‘Stand to horses!’ he called to his trumpeter.

In an instant Corporal Parry was outside and blowing the triplets. They carried easily the hundred yards to Bridge Street where the dragoons waited. Keen anticipation of a chase thrilled through the ranks like a flame along a trail of powder.

Colonel Denroche had also posted himself at the stables. Hervey asked if he should bring up the squadron.

There had now been two dozen shots. Colonel Denroche checked his watch, and nodded.

‘“Forward”, please, C’Parry,’ called Hervey as he went with the colonel into the yard.

Private Johnson was already standing with Gilbert’s reins. Hervey mounted at once without checking the girth. Long years told him it was unnecessary – no matter what Johnson’s misdemeanours.

Corporal Wainwright, his coverman, was already in the saddle; the RSM too. Hervey hoped Colonel Denroche was noting the address with which the Sixth stood to arms.

The firing was now brisk. Even the Sixtieth’s commanding officer looked surprised. ‘Not all Baker rifles, not by any means,’ he muttered darkly.

Since there were no other firearms north of Bridge Street it could mean but one thing: the intruders were indeed well armed. Better armed than expected. ‘Leave to take the squadron forward, Colonel?’

Colonel Denroche glanced at Nasmyth, who nodded. ‘Very well.’

Hervey saluted and turned for the Powdermill Lane. ‘Mr Hairsine, you and I shall ride for the Sixtieth’s picket at the sluice. Corporal Parry, my compliments to Captain Worsley, and would he please bring up the squadron and wait by the old turnpike house. And no lights.’

‘Sir.’

He put Gilbert into a trot.

The firing continued, sporadic now but still determined. He knew there must be riflemen in the shadows, but no challenge came until they got to the bend in the river where the corporal had checked him the evening before. A lantern swinging side to side brought them to a halt.

‘Parole!’

‘Shorncliffe,’ replied Hervey, as quietly as he dare.

‘Advance, friend!’