Have you all
slept, gentlemen?
_Ireton and the others:_
Yes, sir.
_Fairfax:_
Since we lack General Cromwell, more depends on you, Ireton, than on any
man, perhaps. You will not be wanting, I know.
_Ireton:_
In endeavour at least--and we can die.
(A scout comes in.)
_Fairfax:_
Yes?
_The Scout:_
Something moves across from the east, sir. It is very faint. It may be
haze, or it may be dust.
_Fairfax:_
Watch. Come again at once.
(The scout goes. FAIRFAX and the others go to the tent opening, and look
out.)
_Fairfax:_
Yes--there. It is moving, isn't it?
_Ireton:_
I think not.
_Staines:_
Surely.
_Pemberton:_
Could it be?
_Fairfax:_
No. We should have heard.
_Ireton:_
And yet it seems to be moving.
_Fairfax:_
Gentlemen, we must keep counsel with ourselves. This is to waste. Nerves
must be unclouded to-day.
(He returns to his seat, the others with him.)
_Fairfax:_
Finally, if we on the right have to fall back on Mill Hill, bring your
horse down on to the Kilmarsh Road, Pemberton, if it be any way
possible.
_Pemberton:_
Yes--there's a ford there, at the fork if we are upstream.
_Ireton:_
I'll speak to Whalley, too.
_Fairfax:_
If at last there should be a general retreat, it is to the west of
Naseby, remember.
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