“Brigadier! sally out at once with your Highlanders upon the enemy.”
“Na, na, general,” replied Mackintosh. “Were I to part my foot from the horse they might be cut off.”
“I don't see why that should be,” rejoined Forster. “But if you are of the foot, sally out with the horse.”
“I cannot obey you, general,” replied the brigadier; “and for this reason. In sallying out, as you suggest, the cavalry wad have to pass through the fire of our ain foot to their great detriment; and if they failed in the attempt, they would be unable to retreat, and thus the Highlanders would be pent up in the town.”
“I don't see the reason,” cried Forster, angrily; “but I perceive you are resolved not to obey me.”
“I won't sacrifice my men, general,” rejoined the brigadier.
“Then you will take the consequences, sir,” said Forster; “for, by Heaven! if I survive this day, and the king comes to his own, I'll have you tried by a court-martial.”
Mackintosh shrugged his shoulders contemptuously.
Just then the firing recommenced, and Forester withdrew to vent his anger elsewhere.
Learning that Mackintosh had stationed Captain Innes with a party of Highlanders in Sir Henry Houghton's house, he immediately removed them, without alleging any reason for the step, and ordered Captain Maclean, with a company of gentlemen volunteers, to take the post.