They were directing their course towards the bridge.
As they mounted the little rising ground, they wheeled and unlimbered with the speed of lightning, just as a strong column of cavalry showed above the ridge.

One tremendous discharge again shook the field, and ere the smoke cleared away they were again far in retreat.
So much was my attention occupied with this movement that I had not perceived the long line of infantry that came from the extreme left, and were now advancing also towards the bridge at a brisk quick-step; scattered bodies of cavalry came up from different parts, while from the little valley, every now and then, a rifleman would mount the rising ground, turning to fire as he retreated.

All this boded a rapid and disorderly retreat; and although as yet I could see nothing of the pursuing enemy, I knew too well the relative forces of each to have a doubt for the result.
At last the head of a French column appeared above the mist, and I could plainly distinguish the gestures of the officers as they hurried their men onwards.

Meanwhile a loud hurra attracted my attention, and I turned my eye towards the road which led to the river.

Here a small body of the 95th had hurriedly assembled, and formed again, were standing to cover the retreat of the broken infantry as they passed on eagerly to the bridge; in a second after the French cuirassiers appeared.