Boufflers, the hero of Lille, took his place.
Charge after charge was made by the Allies into the woods, and
desperate fighting took place. Once and again Marlborough's troops
were repulsed with awful loss; as often they returned to the attack.
After four hours of heavy fighting the French fell back, and the
victory remained with the Allies.
Just before Villars sounded his retreat George Fairburn, who had
charged and fought all the while with his usual forgetfulness of
himself and of danger, found himself just outside the eastern edge of
the wood Taisniere, in company with the others of his troop. He was
almost exhausted with his efforts, and, besides, was hardly himself
again yet, after his terrible experience at Tournai, and he sat for a
moment half listlessly in his saddle. A cry near him drew his
attention, and, turning his head, he beheld Major Wilson in the act of
falling from his charger. He had received a bullet in the leg. Before
George could get to this side, Wilson was on the ground, his horse
galloping away.
At the same instant a fierce shout was heard, and George saw dashing
to the spot one of the redoubtable Irish Brigade. Like lightning the
young captain leapt from his horse, lifted Wilson from the ground, and
by main strength threw him across the animal, crying, "Off with you!"
giving the horse a thump with his fist on the quarters to start him
into a gallop.
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