Matters had reached this stage, when Moore rode up, and in a moment he grasped the state of the case. It was a question between sacrificing guns and treasure, or running the risk that his rear-guard should be cut off by the enemy. Moore did not hesitate. He turned to Roy, who happened at that moment to be the nearest junior officer, and said decisively, pointing to the edge of the precipice— “Take those carts and guns to the brink, and roll them over.” “Sir, it is money!” exclaimed one present in consternation. “So are shot and shell,” replied Moore. Roy promptly carried out the order, and, under the energetic action of his men, both guns and treasure soon went plunging down the depth—out of sight of the French advance-guard, which only five minutes later passed this very spot. They, however, did not know what had just taken place. Moore’s hope, that the money might in the end fall into Spanish instead of into French hands, was fulfilled. Some Spanish peasants found it not long after. On January 5th, at Constantino, much fighting took place; and in the evening a heavy trouble fell upon Roy. Jack was missing! All searching failed to find him; all inquiries brought no result. Among the sick and the wounded Roy went, alone or with Jack’s friend, George Napier, but in vain. On the field, amid the slain, he hunted, torch in hand; and as he turned up face after face of those who had fallen, finding _not_ Jack’s features, a low-breathed “Thank God!” again and again escaped him. The only explanation seemed to be that Jack was surely taken prisoner. At Lugo the whole Army was halted. The march thither had been severe, through deep mud and pelting rain, with much suffering and fatigue. Collision here again took place between the English and French, and Moore in person led his troops, sending the enemy flying with heavy loss. Then, during two days, he offered battle to the French; and hardly was his intention known, before the whole British Army presented, as by magic, a changed look. Stragglers came hurrying in, the ranks were filled up, and all were in the highest spirits, eager for a fight. But though the British were by this time reduced to only nineteen thousand—three thousand having been sent under General Crauford by another route to Vigo, and many having fallen out by the way[2]—yet Soult, with his greatly superior numbers, did not respond. The lack of provisions made it impossible for Moore to delay longer. While in the neighbourhood of Lugo, Roy found time to add a few words to his unfinished letter to Molly. “Jan. 6th. Near Lugo.