When I gave them to him, he poured out the water, and slung them over his shoulder.
‘Now, just stand there a minute,’ said he, ‘and I’ll show you a scatter.’
He then commenced running, with the canteens clattering at his back. Those who were in the mill, being startled by the noise, looked out to see what was the matter. When Dennis saw them, he cried out, ‘Och, ye rogues o’ the world, run for your lives; for the division has fell in, and the provost is coming down with his guard; and every one of yees will be taken.’
They were all out in a moment.
‘Which way is he coming?’
‘This way,’ said Dennis, pointing to the way he had come himself. ‘I am on picquet, and I just run down to give you warning.’
They all took to their heels in the opposite direction, leaving the field clear to Dennis and me; and we lost no time in filling our haversacks.
The right of the French army had retreated by the high road upon Celerico, but the left (which we were pursuing) had fallen back upon Govea and the mountains of Guarda; and having augmented their force, held the position in great strength. Our army having collected in the neighbourhood of Celerico, on the morning of the 29th our division moved for the purpose of flanking the enemy, and the light and sixth divisions having moved also, by different routes, in the direction of Guarda, the attack was combined in such a manner that the enemy were nearly surprised, and abandoned many of their effects in their flight, without attempting to fire a shot, notwithstanding the strong position they occupied,[11] and retired on Sabugal on the Coa, leaving an advanced guard on our side.
The position which the enemy had now taken was very strong, the river behind which they were posted being difficult of access, and could only be approached by its left.
Our troops were set in motion on the morning of the third April, to turn the enemy’s left above Sabugal, and to force the passage of the bridge of that town. A strong corps of the enemy were posted on a height immediately above the bridge.