‘The general says that it was not possible to find any draught animals for you. He says the French had taken them all, and the few that remained were needed by his men.’

‘And what of the supplies that he promised?’ Arthur asked. ‘Where are they?’

‘The general says that without mules and horses he could not transport supplies. In any case, there were few supplies to bring after the French had passed like locusts across the land.What supplies he did find are needed by his men.’

‘I see,’ Arthur muttered, keeping his irritation under control. ‘Please tell the general that we can manage without the things he had promised us for the moment. Now we need to discuss how we might best combine our forces to crush the French invaders.’

Freire raised a hand to stop Arthur and spoke again.

‘The general says that his men are short of food and powder, and that you should supply them with both.’

‘Now, just a minute—’ Somerset started.

Arthur shot a look at his aide. ‘Silence, if you please. Let me deal with this.’ He turned back to Freire. ‘Tell the general that I cannot supply his forces in addition to my own. I am not authorised to do it, and in any case we need all that we can carry as it is.’

‘The general says that without supplies he cannot advance any further towards Lisbon.’

‘Damn it, I will not be blackmailed,’ Arthur said bitterly. ‘Tell him that his government has instructed him to co-operate with me.’

Freire laughed.

‘He says that the government’s word means little to him. He says that his first duty is to his men. He will only co-operate with the British if they supply him with what he needs.’

Arthur clenched his jaws tightly together to avoid giving vent to his growing anger. He turned to Somerset. ‘Can we supply his men?’

‘To a degree, sir. But not for long. There might be a way round this impasse, sir.’

‘Then speak plainly, man!’ Arthur snapped.

‘Yes, sir. Since we lack cavalry we are having to make do with light infantry for some of our scouting.’

‘Yes. So?’

‘Why don’t we offer to feed and supply the general’s light troops, in exchange for having them seconded to our army?’

Arthur considered the idea for a moment and then nodded to the guide to translate. Freire was quiet for a moment as he stroked his beard. Then he nodded and made his reply.

‘He agrees, as long as you provide his men with full rations, and they still remain under his command at all times.’

‘No,’Arthur replied at once.‘As long as I’m feeding ’em, they’re mine to command.’