Chapter Twenty Four and Chapter Twenty Five Summary

In chapter twenty-four, the French forces unabashedly flee. King Joseph must abandon his carriage and belongings and run along with all the other French subjects. La Marquesa is trying to escape in her wagon, protected by Saumier, and must shoot people pulling valuables off her wagon. Saumier tries to take her north, away from the melee, and Ducos flees as well, happy his treaty will now be the savior of France. Saumier tries to take La Marquesa across the ditch but is intercepted and killed by El Matarife, who again kidnaps La Marquesa. She is being taken back the the convent.

In chapter twenty-five, Sharpe and Patrick discover La Marquesa is missing. After a brief stop at her empty carriage, Sharpe searches for her in the chaos of the retreating army...