They are getting very close to them and, when the Spaniards begin, they ought to wipe them out completely." At this moment a heavy rattle of distant musketry was heard, and a light wreath of smoke rose from the Spanish lines.

The French cavalry had, in fact, ridden up so close to the Spaniards that they discharged their pistols in bravado at them.

To this the Spaniards had replied by a general wild discharge of their muskets.

A moment later the party on the hill saw the right of the Spanish line break up as if by magic and, to their astonishment and rage, they made out that the whole plain behind was thickly dotted by fugitives.
"Why, the whole lot have bolted, sir!" Bull exclaimed.

"Horse and foot are making off.