"And no doubt there will be large additions," said Sir Thomas Sheridan. "By this time the Irish Brigade must have embarked from France, with the promised French regiments." "There is nothing for it but a retreat to Scotland," said Lord Pitsligo. "It would be madness to face an army of thirty thousand men." "You are a traitor like the rest, Pitsligo," cried the prince, fiercely. The old Scottish noble flushed deeply, and with difficulty mastered his indignation. "I never thought to hear that opprobrious term applied to me by one of your royal house, prince," he said. "But since you have stigmatised all these loyal gentlemen in the same manner, I must bear the reproach as best I can." "Forgive me, my dear old friend," cried Charles, seizing his hand, and pressing it warmly. "I meant not what I said. No one could possess stauncher friends than I do--no one could appreciate their devotion more profoundly than myself. But my heart is crushed by this bitter and unexpected disappointment. It has come upon me like a clap of thunder--at the very moment when I anticipated success. Since it must be so, we will retreat, though it will half kill me to give the word. Leave me now, I pray of you. I will strive to reconcile myself to the alternative." Thus enjoined, they all quitted the chamber, and Charles was left alone. Flinging himself into a chair he remained for some time with his face buried in his hands. When he raised his eyes, he saw Atherton standing beside him. "I knew not you were here," said the prince. "I came to learn your royal highness's commands," replied the other. "Something, I fear, has greatly disturbed you." "Disturbed me! ay!" cried Charles. "I am forced to retreat." "By the enemy?" exclaimed Atherton. "By my generals," replied Charles. "We shall advance no further. You may prepare to return to Manchester." CHAPTER IV. HOW THE MANCHESTER REGIMENT WAS WELCOMED ON ITS RETURN. Charles could not shake off the bitter disappointment he experienced at this sudden and unlooked-for extinction of his hopes. He had made up his mind to march on London, and he thought his Highland army would follow him. But he now discovered his mistake. He did not go forth again during the day, but shut himself up in his room, and left Lord George Gordon and the Duke of Perth to make all arrangements necessary for the retreat. They decided to pass through Manchester on the way to Carlisle. The men were kept in profound ignorance of the change of plan, but when they discovered that they were retreating their rage and disappointment found vent in the wildest lamentations. "Had they been beaten," says the Chevalier de Johnstone, "their grief could not have been greater." It was almost feared they would mutiny. On the Manchester Regiment the retreat had a most dispiriting effect. Officers and men had joined on the understanding that they were to march to London, and they were deeply mortified when they found they were to retreat to Scotland.