It won't take half a minute, and then we will be off." They continued their journey.

The rattle of musketry, ahead of them, showed that the combat had already commenced close by; between either the advancing troops of Argyle, or those who had crossed the hill of Royegham; and Grimaldi's brigade, which was probably endeavouring to hold them in check, until the troops at Diepenbeck came back.
It was already too dark to distinguish the uniforms, except at a distance of a few yards.

Dashing on, he saw a dark mass ahead--three officers rode out.
"Who are you, sir ?" they shouted.
"I am carrying a report from the general," he replied, in English, and without drawing rein dashed on, passing within twenty yards of the column, and reached Diepenbeck without further interruption.
In the centre of the village, the French general was sitting on his horse, surrounded by his staff.

The combat beyond raged as furiously as before.

Desmond rode up, and saluted.
"I am the bearer of orders from Marshal Vendome, sir," he said.
"He bid me tell you that a large force of the enemy has crossed the hills of Oycke and Royegham, and is already in your rear, the enemy's right overlapping your left; while the whole British reserve is pressing forward, and will ere long effect a junction with both these forces.