noon
They had had enough of fighting for the Duke ; they were off home . The officers were strict at first , trying to stop these desertions ; but the temper of the men was so bad that at last they gave it up , hoping that some at least would stay . That was another evil consequence of fighting for the crown with an undisciplined mob ; they could sustain defeat as ill as they could use victory . We did not trail into Lyme until after noon ; for we marched like snails , fearing that the militia would follow us . When we got into camp , the men flung their arms from them , careless of the officer 's orders . All that they wanted was sleep -LRB- we had eaten a late breakfast at Charmouth -RRB- , they were not going to do any more soldier 's foolery of drill , or sentry-go . As for Lord Grey , whom everybody called a coward , the Duke could not cashier him , because he was the best officer remaining to us .