"Indeed, I had already thought of the step that you suggest, Colonel Matthews, and what Mr.Wilding says causes me to look upon it still more favourably." Grey frowned.

"Consider, Your Grace," he said earnestly, "that you are in no case to fight at present." "What fighting do you suggest there would be ?" asked the Duke.
"There is Albemarle between us and Exeter." "But with the militia," Wilding reminded him; "and if the militia deserts him for Your Grace, in what case will Albemarle find himself ?" "And if the militia does not desert?
If you should be proven wrong, sir?
What then?
What then ?" asked Grey.
"Aye--true--what then, Mr.Wilding ?" quoth the Duke, already wavering.
Wilding considered a moment, all eyes upon him.

"Even then," said he presently, "I do maintain that in this dash for Exeter lies Your Grace's greatest chance of success.

We can deliver battle if need be.

Already we are three thousand strong..." Grey interrupted him rudely.