the arrangements. The flour mill, he explained, was owned by the Ordnance; they had bought it to better regulate the flow of water from the Lea to the powder-corning mills, and it was to be the forward company post. His orders were to picket the Powdermill Lane (which Hervey had just ridden) as far as the big bend in the Lea where the sentry had challenged, and, on the other side of the common, south along the canal as far as the old corning house.
Hervey noted the detail on his map, though not without some perplexity. ‘I take it the second company will complete the circle, so to speak. But why are you posted so far from any of the buildings?’
The captain explained that such was the fear of causing explosion, no one with firearms was permitted within a hundred yards of any building.
Hervey knew well enough they sat atop a powder keg but he had rather supposed the intruders posed the greater risk of an errant spark. ‘Very well,’ he replied, a shade wearily. ‘I’ve yet to receive my orders, but I fancy they’ll be to patrol the road north of here, though I could do that well enough with a quarter of the men. Do you have a parole?’
‘Shorncliffe.’
Hervey nodded. ‘The same for both companies?’
‘Ay. And yours?’
‘We shall take “Shorncliffe” too. But I fancy, since we’re hardly likely to meet Slattery’s Dragoons, four legs should be a faithful enough sign. I shall now go to see your colonel. I’ll see you again soon after dark, no doubt.’
The captain returned the wry smile. ‘Join us for dinner if the colonel doesn’t insist on your dining with him.’
Hervey touched his hat. He had always liked the way of the Rifles. ‘With great pleasure.’
By the time Hervey got back to the Four Swans, the deputy quartermaster-general had arrived.
‘Good evening, Colonel,’ he said, dismounting and saluting. ‘Major Hervey, commanding the Light Dragoons.’
Colonel Denroche remembered, and touched the tip of his bicorn.
‘I have explored the mills and met Colonel Agar,’ Hervey began, briskly. ‘He’s much agitated by the restrictions placed on his riflemen – not to approach within a hundred yards of any building. We’ve agreed that I should picket the road north of the Thorogood Sluice, the first inlet to the canal’ (he pointed to the place on his map) ‘and keep a reserve of dragoons to sweep the common land between the Lea and the canal in case anyone gets across the water.’
Colonel Denroche nodded.
Nasmyth stepped forward. ‘Your exploration, Major Hervey: you did not go
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
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
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
‘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.
