Lord Kenmure shrugged his shoulders.
“I have given you my decision, and I shall adhere to it.”
Lord Derwentwater could not repress an exclamation of rage.
Mackintosh looked equally angry, but felt it was useless to interfere.
“We shall be better prepared on some future day,” observed Forster.
“Never!” exclaimed the brigadier, contemptuously. “Never shall we be better prepared than now! Never shall we have the enemy at greater advantage!''
“At all events, let us stay where we are,” said Lord Derwentwater. “General Carpenter will think we are retreating if we march to Hawick.”
“Nor will he be far wide of the truth if he does think so,” said Mackintosh.
But these expressions of disapproval were entirely unheeded, and the march to Hawick took place, greatly to the annoyance of Lord Derwentwater.
Determined to reconnoitre the enemy, his lordship requested Captain Gordon to accompany him, and set off with a small party of horse towards the Yetholms.