The Duke
nodded as he recognized the lad, and, pencilling a few words of reply,
said, "To Lord Cutts; then back to your post." And as Blackett rode
off like the wind in a bee-line for Cutts's division, Marlborough
murmured, "A fearless fox-hunter, I'll be bound." The order, it was
afterwards found, was for Cutts to make no more attempts on Blenheim,
but to hold himself in readiness when his services should again be
requisitioned.
Meanwhile, Prince Eugene was having a lively time of it on the right
wing. He began by leading a cavalry charge against the French and
Bavarians, who were under the command of Marsin and the Elector
respectively. In a few minutes he had forced back the front line and
had captured a battery of six guns. On he sped to confront the second
line, and the opposing forces met with a tremendous shock. For a
moment all was doubtful, but the enemy stood their ground stoutly.
Eugene could make no impression and had to fall back. By this time the
scattered front line of the French had rallied, and, in spite of the
Prince's desperate efforts, the battery was retaken. The danger to
that division of the allied forces soon became extreme. To save the
day, Eugene immediately galloped away in person, and returned
presently, bringing a body of Prussian infantry he had in reserve.
Pages:
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101