MARQUIXEZ AND LA COLLEGIALA. 177 



which ran about half musket-shot to the left of their 

 own line of march. This, however, caused no uneasi- 

 ness to Marquinez, who knew that the enemy's cav- 

 alry, unacquainted with the country, would not ven- 

 ture to leave the road, and he was sure of being able 

 to keep well ahead of the infantry, who, in their 

 turn, could not prudently advance too far from the 

 main body. He reckoned, therefore, of being soon out 

 of reach of the enemy, when the march of the Spaniards 

 was suddenly arrested by a broad and deep water- 

 course, with high and perpendicular banks. In vain 

 did they ride up and down, and lose some minutes in 

 endeavouring to find a place at which to pass this new 

 obstacle to their progress. The French infantry were 

 approaching, the torches which they carried showing 

 like so many crimson spots through the thick mist 

 arising from the wet and marshy ground. Already 

 the officers might be heard directing the search, and 

 giving orders to their men. The only remaining 

 chance was to return to the highroad before they 

 were perceived by the infantry, and trust to a bold 

 charge to break through the dragoons, which were in 

 their front. The road was soon gained, and the hus- 

 sars crossed the wooden bridge which was there thrown 

 over the water-course, and which gave out a hollow 

 sound under their horses' feet. The infantry heard 

 the noise, but paid no attention to it, taking the 

 Spaniards for another patrol sent out from the vil- 

 lage. The same mistake was made by the dragoons, 

 VOL. IIL M 



