“He has, my lord,” replied Captain Gordon; “and the greater part of his force is quartered at the Yetholms within eight miles of this place. Troops are cantoned at Hounham, Mendrum, Town-Yetholm, Kirk-Yetholm, and Morbattle, as I myself have ascertained. I ventured so near them at Morbattle, that I was discovered and pursued by a dozen of Churchill's dragoons, within two miles of Jedburgh, when they gave up the chase. No doubt they believed we were still at Kelso, but they must now have found out their mistake.”
“Captain Gordon,” said Mackintosh, “so far as you can judge, what is the condition of the enemy?”
“Their horses are jaded, or I should not have escaped,” replied Gordon, “and I am certain the foot, of whom there must be five or six hundred, are fatigued with their long march. I therefore feel convinced there will be no general attack to-day, and I think we might surprise them.”
“You hear what Captain Gordon says, my lord?” cried Mackintosh, turning to Lord Kenmure. “From the observations he has just made he is of opinion we may surprise the enemy.”
“General Carpenter himself is at Kirk-Yetholm,” remarked Captain Gordon.
“So much the better,” said the brigadier. “Having taken up a position there, he will make no further advance to-day. Our whole force is in marching order. Let us make the attack at once. By using the utmost expedition we shall take him unprepared.”
“That is certain,” said Captain Gordon; “and I do not for a moment doubt that the attack will be successful.”
“I hope the plan meets with your lordship's approval?” said Lord Derwentwater to Kenmure.
The chief commander, however, made no direct answer, but turning to the Northumbrian leader, observed:
“What says General Forster?”