Claverhouse had, in this last charge, however, involved himself too deeply among the insurgents, and was fairly surrounded.
Lord Evandale saw the danger of his commander, his body of dragoons being then halted, while that commanded by Allan was in the act of retreating.
Regardless of Claverhouse's disinterested command to the contrary, he ordered the party which he headed to charge down hill and extricate their Colonel.

Some advanced with him--most halted and stood uncertain--many ran away.

With those who followed Evandale, he disengaged Claverhouse.
His assistance just came in time, for a rustic had wounded his horse in a most ghastly manner by the blow of a scythe, and was about to repeat the stroke when Lord Evandale cut him down.

As they got out of the press, they looked round them.

Allan's division had ridden clear over the hill, that officer's authority having proved altogether unequal to halt them.
Evandale's troop was scattered and in total confusion.
"What is to be done, Colonel ?" said Lord Evandale.
"We are the last men in the field, I think," said Claverhouse; "and when men fight as long as they can, there is no shame in flying.