"
"Quite so," said O'Moy, his hand clenching and unclenching, and
Tremayne, who watched him, wondered how long it would be before
the storm burst. "Quite so. And because the Council disapproves of
the very measures which at Lord Wellington's instigation it has
publicly recommended, it does not trouble to see that those measures
are carried out. As you say, it does not feel itself able to
interfere with his dispositions. But it does not scruple to mark
its disapproval by passively hindering him at every turn.
Magistrates are left to neglect these enactments, and because," he
added with bitter sarcasm, "Portuguese valour is so red-hot and so
devilish set on battle the Militia Acts calling all men to the
colours are forgotten as soon as published. There is no one either
to compel the recalcitrant to take up arms, or to punish the
desertions of those who have been driven into taking them up. Yet
you want battles, you want your frontiers defended. A moment, sir!
there is no need for heat, no need for any words. The matter may be
said to be at an end." He smiled - a thought viciously, be it
confessed - and then played his trump card, hurled his bombshell.
"Since the views of your Council are in such utter opposition to the
views of the Commander-in-Chief, you will no doubt welcome Lord
Wellington's proposal to withdraw from this country and to advise
his Majesty's Government to withdraw the assistance which it is
affording you.
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