midday
It is a bad look-out altogether ; and between ourselves , Beresford has written to Lord Wellington to say that he anticipates a crushing defeat . '' `` Is there any chance of reinforcements ? '' Tom asked . `` We hope that the third brigade of the fourth division will be up to-morrow by midday ; they are ordered to come on by forced marches . If Soult does not attack till they arrive , it will make all the difference , for 1,500 fresh men will nearly double our strength . But I must be going now . Good-bye . ''