“Methinks that the war will not last very much longer.  France is impoverished, the disasters which have befallen her arms in Flanders have rendered the war unpopular, and in England, in spite of the success gained by their arms, the heavy taxation is making men ask why a war should be continued which may benefit Holland, and the German allies, but can result in no good to England.

“And now, Captain Kennedy, I will be making my way to join the remains of my army.  I thank you again, most heartily, for your generous conduct; and, believe me, you may always command my services in any direction.  I only regret that these unhappy political difficulties should drive you, and so many of your brave countrymen, into the service of a power that has always been, and so far as I can see is likely to remain, an enemy of England.”

“I may say, sir, that Lord Godolphin has, for a certain reason, promised to befriend me; and that, if you write to him on the subject of a safe conduct, I think I could rely upon his taking a favourable view of the matter.”

“I will do so, certainly,” the earl said.  “His power is great.  If he is favourably disposed towards you, you may consider the matter as done.”

They chatted for some time longer, and then Desmond said: 

“I think now, sir, that it would be safe to move.  Everything is perfectly quiet without, and I have no doubt that, by this time, the cavalry have all returned to Badajos.  However, I will accompany you for a short distance, for you may be stopped by some of our advance posts.  You had best take the cloak and hat of my follower, and, as I am well known, no questions will then be asked.”

“By the way,” Lord Galway added as, Mike having brought up the horses, he mounted; “where shall I send a letter to you, with your safe conduct?  We are in communication with many persons at Madrid, and can pass a letter through the lines at any time.”

“When there, I lodge at the house of Don Pedro Sarasta, in the Calle del Retiro.  I will request him to forward any letters to me, should I be absent.”

The earl made a note of the address in his pocketbook, and then, putting on Mike’s cloak and hat, started with Desmond, who passed him without question through the lines of outposts; which were indeed but carelessly kept, as it was certain that, after the signal victory that had been gained, it would be a long time before any enemy would venture to attack them.

Two days after the fight, the Marquis de Bay moved forward with his army, with the intention of fighting another battle; but Galway and Frontiera had, by this time, reorganized their forces, and occupied so strong a position, near Elvas, that he could not venture to attack them.  However, he occupied the country for a considerable distance beyond the frontier, subsisting his army upon the provisions and forage collected by his cavalry in the villages and small towns.  As it was evident that, after the proof given of the inability of the Portuguese to withstand any attack, there was no probability of offensive operations being renewed by the allies; and, the heat becoming intense, the force was withdrawn across the frontier and went into quarters, the general returning to Madrid, where he received an enthusiastic welcome from the inhabitants.