Sir Arthur would scarcely be pleased if, among all his other worries, he got a despatch from the central Junta, complaining that a large number of innocent peasants had been killed by English troops, fighting by the side of the French." Gradually the guerillas drew in towards the village, taking advantage of every stone and bush, and rarely giving a chance to the French infantry.

Their aim was exceedingly accurate and, whenever a French soldier showed himself from behind a hut to fire, he was fortunate if he got back again without receiving a bullet.
"This is getting serious," the French major said, coming into the cottage where the English officers were gathered.

"I have lost thirty-eight killed and wounded, already.

I have had the wounded carried into the church, and some of your men are unloading the provision waggons, and taking the contents inside.

They have requisitioned every utensil that will hold water in the village.