As they appeared the Portuguese opened fire, and with such steadiness and precision that the leading files of the French were almost annihilated.

But the wave swept upwards and, encouraged by the shouts of their officers, they advanced against the second position.
For half an hour an obstinate fight was maintained, the strength of the position neutralizing the effect of the superior numbers of the French.

The Spaniards fought well, imitating the steadiness of the Portuguese and, being for the most part good marksmen, their fire was very deadly; and several determined attacks of the French were beaten off with heavy loss.
Then, from the valley below, was heard the sound of a bugle.

The call was repeated by the bugles of the assailants and, slowly and reluctantly, the French began to fall back.
Terence looked round.

He had from time to time glanced across to the hills opposite, and had seen his men there retiring steadily, and in good order, before the assault of the French; and now he saw that his force from the valley was marching rapidly along the hilltop to their assistance; while away on the French right, Macwitty's command, spread out to appear of much greater strength than it really possessed, was moving down the slope, as if to the assault.
Below, in the valley, a battalion of French infantry with their cavalry and artillery were drawn up, and were evidently only waiting for the return of the two assaulting columns, to join in their retreat.