`` Here , Dick ! '' she cried , as she clasped his hand in hers . But Dick still stood irresolute ; he was yet young to the more deplorable necessities of war , and the thought of old Lady Brackley checked the command upon his tongue . His own men became restive . Some of them cried on him by name ; others , of their own accord , began to shoot ; and at the first discharge poor Bennet bit the dust . Then Dick awoke . `` On ! '' he cried . `` Shoot , boys , and keep to cover . England and York ! '' But just then the dull beat of many horses on the snow suddenly arose in the hollow ear of the night , and , with incredible swiftness , drew nearer and swelled louder . At the same time , answering tuckets repeated and repeated Hatch 's call . `` Rally , rally ! '' cried Dick . `` Rally upon me ! Rally for your lives ! '' But his men -- afoot , scattered , taken in the hour when they had counted on an easy triumph -- began instead to give ground severally , and either stood wavering or dispersed into the thickets . And when the first of the horsemen came charging through the open avenues and fiercely riding their steeds into the underwood , a few stragglers were overthrown or speared among the brush , but the bulk of Dick 's command had simply melted at the rumour of their coming . Dick stood for a moment , bitterly recognising the fruits of his precipitate and unwise valour . Sir Daniel had seen the fire ; he had moved out with his main force , whether to attack his pursuers or to take them in the rear if they should venture the assault .
His had been throughout the part of a sagacious captain ; XXXXX 's the conduct of an eager boy .
Bennet Dick Hatch York assault fire night tuckets valour wavering