Meanwhile the rest of Hill's troops threaded their way beneath through the pass of Puebla, and, after a tough fight, wrested the village of Subijana from the foe.

In vain did Joseph and Jourdan bring up troops from the centre; the British and Spaniards were not to be driven either from the village or from the heights.

Wellington's main array was also advancing to attack the French centre occupying the ridge behind the Zadora; and Graham, after making a long detour to the north through very broken country, sought to surprise Reille and drive him from the bridge north of Vittoria.

In this advance the guidance of the Spanish irregulars, under Colonel Longa, was of priceless value.

So well was Graham covered by their bands, that, up to the moment of attack, Reille knew not that a British division was also at hand.