They saw, too, that he knew exactly what he wanted done, and gave every order with firmness and decision; and their confidence in him became profound.
It was three hours after he arrived at the river when a party of horse came down the opposite slope.

Leigh had ordered that not a shot was to be fired, until he gave the signal.

He waited until the enemy came to the severed bridge, when they halted suddenly; and as they did so he gave the word and, from the long line of greenery, fifty muskets flashed out.

More than half the troop of horse fell; and the rest, turning tail, galloped up the hill again, while a shout of derision rose from the peasants.
[Illustration: A scattered fire broke out from the defenders.] Half an hour passed, then the head of the column was seen descending the road.

It opened out as it came, forming into a thick line of skirmishers, some two hundred yards wide.