lay writhing
on the blood-stained field.

Owing to the bursting of packages, the overturning of wagons, and the
havoc wrought by shot and shell, valuable effects, coin, gems, gold and
silver candlesticks and vessels, priceless paintings, the spoil of Spanish
churches and convents, were strewed over the ground. There was no need to
plunder; our men picked up money as they matched, and it was computed that
a sum equal to a million sterling found its way into their knapsacks and
pockets.

Our Spanish allies, officers as well as privates, were less scrupulous.
They robbed like highwaymen, and protested that they were only taking
their own.

While riding toward Vittoria to execute an order of the colonel's, I
passed a carriage which a moment or two previously had been overtaken by
several of Longa's dragoons, with the evident intention of overhauling it.
In the carriage were two ladies, one young and pretty the other
good-looking and mature; and, as I judged from their appearance, both
being well dressed, the daughter and wife of a French officer of rank.
They appealed to me for help.

"You are an English officer," said the elder in French; "all the world
knows that your nation is as chivalrous as it is brave. Protect us, I pray
you, from these ruffians."

I bowed, and turning to the Spaniards, one of whom was an officer, spoke
them fair; for my business was pressing, and I had no wish to be mixed up
in a quarrel.

"Caballeros," I said, "we do not make war on women. You will let these
ladies go."

"_Carambo!_ We shall do nothing of the sort," returned the officer,
insolently. "These ladies are our prisoners, and their carriage and all it
contains our prize."

"I beg your pardon, Senor Capitan, but you are, perhaps not aware that
Lord Wellington has given strict orders that private property is to be
respected; and no true caballero molests women."

"_Hijo de Dios!_ Dare you say that I am no true caballero? Begone this
instant, or--"

The Spaniard drew his sword; I drew mine; his men began to look to the
priming of their pistols, and had General Anson not chanced to come by
just in the nick of time, it might have gone ill with me. On learning what
had happened, he said I had acted very properly and told the Spaniards
that if they did not promptly depart he would hand them over to the
provost-marshal.

"We shall meet again, I hope, you and I," said the officer, defiantly, as
he gathered up his reins.

"So do