The enemy, it was clear, had no idea that we marched with a Nanny-goat in company, and had intended that we should walk into them unawares. In that case, we should probably have come off second best. As matters stood, our position was far more favourable: and theirs, less advantageous in the same degree. The worst of it was, though, that to the left of the main road—that is, on the enemy’s right—a wood came down to within two hundred yards of them; which same wood, further on, extended close up to the road we were to proceed by, and seemed to skirt it for some distance. The danger was that, when we attacked the enemy, and drove them before us, some of them, perhaps the greater number, might escape into this wood; in which case we might afterwards find it difficult to get rid of their agreeable company. These considerations, then, indicated the plan of our attack. I desired the sergeant of cavalry to select seven or eight of his steadiest men, and gain at once the skirts of the wood, at the point nearest the enemy. He was to advance at first as if intending to attack their right; but, when he got nearer, was to quicken his pace, and make at once for the wood. Immediately after, when he saw the general attack commence, his party, also, were to advance and fire; but not to advance so far that fugitives, escaping from the enemy’s rear, might be able to enter the wood. The infantry were to advance, firing, down the road; and the remainder of the cavalry was to spread out on our flanks, and act in concert with us: our whole party pressing more on the enemy’s right than left, in order that their retreat might be from the wood, not to it. These matters I explained distinctly. One other point remained. “Corporal Fraser, step this way. Your duty is the most responsible of any.” I knew it would be a bitter pill for the corporal, so endeavoured to gild it. “I am ready for any duty you may assign me, sir,” said the corporal, whose blood was up. “You must take two or three of the infantry to the rear—we shall want all the cavalry—and see that no muleteer loiters behind, or falls out—bring all up.” “As you please, sir,” said Fraser; “but in action, the rear is not the place to which I have been most accustomed.” The poor fellow looked so dismally blank, I really felt for him. “Never mind that, corporal. Remember you have had your turn already, and have done well. Depend upon this,” I added, with a consolatory wink, “should there be any real business in front, though I don’t expect it, you, if possible, shall have your share.” The clouds were now dispelled from the corporal’s face, and he retired to his station in the rear.