‘The order of march then sounded, we will gradually withdraw along either flank—’ Two of the aides heaved up a fresh map, with new positions marked, marking the French at the very centre. '—and cut him off from his aerial support and whatever reserves he may have yet held back. Then we launch our attack against his rear. General Paget, it will be your task to ensure that Bonaparte remains within our circle. General Ollen, your artillery will be directed towards his reserves, rather than the main body of his force, to keep them from rejoining him.

‘Our aim, gentlemen, is the capture of this tyrant, and an end to his perpetual war mongering. I will be satisfied with nothing less, and I assure you their Lordships have agreed with my judgment.’

Having given this brief and unsettling plan of battle, he concluded and dismissed them all, adding, ‘Colonel Featherstone, a word with you.’ He drew the man aside privately, thus blocking many other officers of the general staff, who plainly wanted a word.

Laurence went out to Temeraire, who had rather regretfully submitted to being rigged out in carrying-harness. ‘We are taking this company,’ he said, as Laurence came, ‘or so he tells me.’ The infantry officer nodded to Laurence, a little stiffly, and touched his hat.

‘Very good,’ Laurence answered, and stifled his doubts. To risk dividing their forces, yielding the centre to Napoleon and then directing all their force deliberately between him and his reserve, seemed a terrible risk to run. If it made Napoleon's capture more likely, the plan also made it likelier that the French would simply overrun them. But Wellesley was not a fool, and if he meant to tolerate the weaknesses and dangers of his planned course, he had good cause. He had certainly taken pains to evade any questions, and any protests which might have been made against him to the ministers, by delaying the conference until the deployment already had begun. There was nothing for it now, but to trust him.

The degree of excitement which Temeraire felt, expressed itself nearly as pain: his expanded ruff drew a pounding tightness all along the line of his neck. He tried now and again to curl himself for a little rest, but it was impossible. No more wretched raids, no more hiding, no more carrying about anyone; they would have a real battle at last.