Herrick immediately made a report to his commanding officer, and from observations then taken it was seen that the Leaguers were assembling rapidly and in great force. They, on their part, noted the muster of the volunteers, and presently sundry jeers and insults were shouted at the citizen soldiers. Groups of men, who were seen to be wearing the metal disc, gathered close to the open gates and watched the formation of the battalion. The possibility of a collision at once became apparent, for it was intended to march the volunteers through Lincoln’s Inn Fields, and, _via_ Long Acre, to the West End. There was no other exit from the Inn suitable for marching order in the intended direction; and, on the other hand, it was pretty obvious that to cross Lincoln’s Inn Fields would certainly involve a collision with the Leaguers, whose numbers already largely exceeded those of the battalion. The disc-men, growing more aggressive, now showed a disposition to enter New Square itself, and a hasty council of officers was held, and the order given to close the gates. Instantly angry groans were raised by the Leaguers, and a shrill voice yelled: “Down with the lawyers!” At the same time a rush was made for the wall separating the gardens from the east side of the Fields, and, with no great difficulty, large numbers of the Leaguers clambered to the top and descended on the other side. In this way the flank of the battalion was menaced by a gathering mob. In effect, it looked as if the volunteers were now on the defensive, and derisive laughter greeted the hurried orders of the officers.