Part Three, Chapters 23 & 24 Summary

The battle has been an utter defeat for the French. Despite the victory, Sharpe feels only failure at having lost Leroux and being tricked by Helena. Sharpe is invited to have a drink with the officers, but he wants to see the end of the battle.

Sharpe rides to where he can see British infantry fighting the remaining French, and then he sees a lone British cavalry officer ride past the British infantry toward the French. Sharpe recognizes Spears, and Sharpe follows. It appears that Spears is running a suicidal one-man charge. Sharpe reaches Spears just in time to see him shot.

Sharpe leads Spears away from the fighting and helps him down from his horse. Spears has been shot in the chest. Sharpe asks Spears why he did such a foolish thing, and Spears says he did not...