Questions were eagerly asked on all sides, but no one could explain what had happened.

Towards the town all was as still as death, but a dropping, irregular fire of musketry issued from the valley beside the Aguada.

"What can this mean; what can it be ?" we asked of each other.

"A sortie from the garrison," said one; "A night attack by Massena's troops," cried another; and while thus we disputed and argued, a horseman was heard advancing along the road at the top of his speed.
"Where are the cavalry ?" cried a voice I recognized as one of my brother aides-de-camp.

"Where are the Fourteenth ?" A cheer from our party answered this question, and the next moment, breathless and agitated, he rode in among us.
"What is it?
Are we attacked ?" "Would to Heaven that were all! But come along, lads, follow me." "What can it be, then ?" said I again; while my anxiety knew no bounds.
"Brennier has escaped; burst his way through Pack's Division, and has already reached Valde Mula." "The French have escaped!" was repeated from mouth to mouth; while, pressing spurs to our horses, we broke into a gallop, and dashed forward in the direction of the musketry.