Part 12 (1/2)

_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.

_Ireton:_ Yes. To the west. That there should be that even in the mind!

_Fairfax:_ In that case, the baggage is my concern.

(Outside is heard a low murmur of excitement.)

_Fairfax:_ Staines, will you tell Conway that five hundred of his best men must dispute the Naseby road to the east. And let Mitch.e.l.l command under him.

_Staines:_ Yes, sir.

(The noise outside grows.)

_Pemberton:_ What is it?

_Fairfax:_ See.

(PEMBERTON goes to the tent opening and looks out.)

_Pemberton:_ Our men are watching something. It is something moving. Hors.e.m.e.n--it must be.

(The excitement grows and grows. IRETON joins PEMBERTON.)

_Ireton:_ There is something.

_Fairfax:_ Gentlemen, let us promise ourselves nothing.

(IRETON and PEMBERTON move into the tent at FAIRFAX'S word. As they do so the voices outside break out into a great shout--”_Ironsides--Ironsides--Ironsides is coming to lead us!_” The scout comes in, glowing.)

_Fairfax_ (rising): Yes?

_The Scout:_ General Cromwell is riding into the field with his Ironsides, sir, some six hundred strong.

_Fairfax:_ Thank G.o.d!

(CROMWELL comes into the tent, fully armed, hot and dusty from the road.

The shouting dies away, but outside there is a sound as of new life until the end of the scene. SETH, OLIVER'S servant, stands at the tent opening.)

_Fairfax:_ You are welcome; none can say how much.