But the peril of that fourth column’s advance no sooner became apparent than it was met. The right wing of the 4th British Regiment, on the extreme right of the ridge, was promptly thrown back, so as to face the flank of the adventurous French column, which was seeking thus boldly to turn the English position; and into the column was poured a crushing fire.
Moore, alert, cool, intent, watching every movement, called out, “That was exactly what I wanted to be done.”
Nor was this all. For General Paget, with his Reserve, advanced upon the column in front, doubled it completely up, and like a whirlwind swept onward, clearing the valley of the foe.
Roy had his chance then, and he did not fail to use it. His was the honour of bearing the King’s Colour belonging to his Regiment. The Royal and the Regimental Colours are, as we know, always consecrated with religious ceremony at the time of presentation, and they are looked upon with the most intense veneration and pride by every British soldier. Not least were they so regarded by Roy Baron!
Right proudly he carried his royal burden; and though its folds were rent in more places than one by the hail of bullets, and though Roy exposed himself with all that reckless gallantry which is natural to the British officer, he had the good fortune to escape with no wound worth mentioning. He had his fair share of hard knocks, notwithstanding; for Paget’s Division, once engaged, fought on till the close of the battle.
The French attack was directed with greatest force against the three regiments, already named. Their piquets, which occupied the little village of Elvina, beyond the ridge, were driven in by the energy of the enemy’s onset, and Elvina for a time fell into the hands of the French.
That of course could not be allowed, and orders were given that the 42nd and the 50th should advance to expel the foe from the village.
Moore, always to be found at the point of greatest danger, where his presence would most be needed, was at hand. His voice could now be heard to ring out in his characteristic challenge—
“Highlanders—remember Egypt!”