He could scarcely hope that the ill-trained levies of James could succeed against the vastly superior force, of disciplined troops, with whom they had now to cope; especially as the latter were led by an able and energetic general, while the former were hampered by the incompetence and vacillation of James.
The day before they started, Captain Davenant rode over to the Whitefoots and had a talk with Jabez.
"I know not how the campaign will go," he said.

"If we are beaten, we shall probably retire to the west, and maintain the war there.

In that case, Dublin will of course fall into the hands of William.

Should this be so, I will ask you to reverse our late position, and to extend what assistance you can to my wife and mother.

It may be that, if I do not return here, none will disturb them.