Blackett rode
off like the wind in a bee-line for Cutts's division, Marlborough
murmured, "A fearless fox-hunter, I'll be bound." The order, it was
afterwards found, was for Cutts to make no more attempts on Blenheim,
but to hold himself in readiness when his services should again be
requisitioned.

Meanwhile, Prince Eugene was having a lively time of it on the right
wing. He began by leading a cavalry charge against the French and
Bavarians, who were under the command of Marsin and the Elector
respectively. In a few minutes he had forced back the front line and
had captured a battery of six guns. On he sped to confront the second
line, and the opposing forces met with a tremendous shock. For a
moment all was doubtful, but the enemy stood their ground stoutly.
Eugene could make no impression and had to fall back. By this time the
scattered front line of the French had rallied, and, in spite of the
Prince's desperate efforts, the battery was retaken. The danger to
that division of the allied forces soon became extreme. To save the
day, Eugene immediately galloped away in person, and returned
presently, bringing a body of Prussian infantry he had in reserve. The
help of these alone saved him from defeat.

At last! Blackett and his comrades were ordered to advance, and moved
towards the Nebel. The ground was in a shockingly bad state. At its
best marshy and water-logged, it was now a sea of mire. The worst
spots had been bridged over, as it were, by the help of fascines, with
here and there pontoons. By this time, however, many of these had been
shifted from their places by the passage of so many thousands of
horse, and the road became worse and worse as the burn was neared. In
one place the men were compelled to come to a full stop, the ground
being simply impassable.

"We cannot advance, gentlemen," cried the colonel commanding the
regiment, "till we have done some repairs. Now for willing hands!"

Some of the officers glanced dubiously at the mud in which the horses
were standing knee-deep, and they did not budge. Not so Matthew
Blackett; with a bound he sprang to the ground, and waded through the
mire, half of his long legs submerged, his brethren endeavouring to
keep their countenances.

"That's the right way!" sang out the colonel in high commendation, and
a little crowd of the men following the example of the young
lieutenant, the work of repairing the road was soon in rapid progress,
the colonel standing by