Every hedge, bank, and tree that could afford shelter was seized upon, and a sharp crackling fire at once replied to that of the French skirmishers.

The light companies were then armed with far better weapons than those in use by the rest of the troops, and a soldier could have told at once by the sharp crackling sound along the front of the British line that it was the light companies that were engaged.

But now a heavy column of troops was seen advancing from the village held by the French; and this, as it approached the part of the line held by the Brunswickers, broke up into several columns.

The Germans were falling back, when the duke sent Picton's two brigades to meet the enemy halfway.

The Ninety-second were left behind in reserve on the road, the light companies were called in, Picton placed himself in front of the long line, and with a tremendous cheer this advanced to meet the heavy French columns.
It was thus through the wars of the period that the English and French always fought: the French in massive column, the English in long line.
Once again, as at Albuera and in many a stricken field, the line proved the conqueror.