That same night not only a regiment but a very strong brigade of the
British army marched upon the important service that was in hand.
They marched only by night, and under Pen's guidance the French forces
that had been besieging the old mine were utterly routed. This happened
at a time when provisions were failing, and the _contrabandista_ captain
saw nothing before him but surrender, for he had found to his dismay
that the adit through which he had hoped to lead the Spanish monarch to
safety had been blocked by the treacherous action of some follower--by
whom, he could not tell, though he guessed that it was a question of
bribery.
There was nothing for it but to die in defence of his monarch, and this
they were prepared to do; but no further fierce fighting had taken
place, for the French General, after securing every exit by the aid of
his reinforcements, felt satisfied that he had only to wait for either
surrender or the dash out by a forlorn hope, ready to die sword in hand.
Then came shortly what was to him a thorough surprise, and the routing
of his forces by the British troops in an encounter which laid open a
large tract of country and proved to be one of the greatest successes of
Sir Arthur Wellesley's campaign.
The natural sequence was a meeting in the English General's tent, where
the King was being entertained by the General himself. Here he
expressed a desire to see again the brave young English youth to whom he
owed so much, for he had learned the part Pen Gray had taken in his
rescue.
It was one afternoon of such a day as well made the Peninsula deserve
the name of Sunny Spain that the --th Rifles were on duty ready to
perform their task of acting as escort to the dethroned Spanish monarch
on his way back to his capital; and to the surprise of Pen a message was
brought to him to come with his companion to the General's tent.
Here he was received by the King in person, and with a few earnest
thanks for all he had done, the monarch presented him with a ring which
he took from his finger. He followed this up by taking his watch and
chain and presenting them to Punch, who took them in speechless wonder,
looked from one to the other, and then whispered to Pen, "He means this
for you."
The General heard his words, and said quietly, "No, my lad; keep your
present. Your friend and companion has yet to be paid for the modest
and brave way in which he performed his duties in guiding our force.--
Private Gray, his Majesty here is in full agreement with that which I am
about to do. It is this--which is quite within my powers as General of
his Britannic Majesty's forces. In exceptional cases promotion is given
to young soldiers for bravery in the field. I have great pleasure in
presenting you with your commission. Ensign Gray, I hope that some day
I may call you Captain. The way is open to you now. I wish you every
success."
"Oh, I say!" cried Punch, as soon as they were alone.
The boy could say no more, for he was half-choking with emotion. But
within an hour he was with Pen again bursting with news and ready to
announce, "No more bugling! Hooray! I am the youngest full private in
our corps!"