"These sally ports, so useful at the time of the conquest, became eventually perfectly neglected, owing to the long peace that reigned in the country; then, by degrees, as they served no purpose, the recollection of them was totally lost, and I am convinced that the majority of the hacienderos at the present day are ignorant of the existence of these secret gates in their habitation; the owner of the Larch-tree is one of the number." "How do you know? Perhaps the gate is blocked up, or at least defended by a strong detachment." The old man smiled. "No," he said, "the gate is not stopped up, nor is it guarded." "Are you certain?" "Did I not tell you that I have been prowling about the neighbourhood for some days?" "I do not remember it." "I wished to assure myself of the existence of this gate, which an accident led me to discover in former days." "Well?" "I have sought it, found it, and opened it." "Viva Dios!" the Jaguar shouted joyfully; "In that case the hacienda is ours." "I believe so, unless a fatality or a miracle occur--two things equally improbable." "But where is this gate situated?" "As usual, at a spot where it is the most unlikely to suspect its existence. Look," he added, bending over the plan, "the hacienda, being built on a height, runs a risk in the event of a long siege of seeing its wells dry up--does it not?" "Yes." "Very good. The river on this side runs along the foot of the rocks on which its walls are built." "Yes, yes," said the young man, who was eagerly following the indications made by the old man. "Judging rightly," he went on, "that on this side the hacienda was impregnable, you contented yourself with establishing on the river bank a few outposts, intended to watch the enemy's movements." "Any flight on that side is impossible--in the first place, owing to the height of the walls; and next, through the river, which forms a natural trench." "Well, the gate by which we shall enter is among those very rocks, almost on a level with the water; it opens into a natural grotto, the entrance of which is so obstructed by creepers, that from the opposite bank it is impossible to suspect its existence." "At length," the Jaguar exclaimed, "this redoubt, which has hitherto been one of the links of the heavy chain riveted round Texas, will be tomorrow one of the most solid barriers of her independence. May Heaven be praised for permitting so brilliant a triumph to crown our efforts!" "I hope to see you master of the place before sunrise." "May Heaven hear you!" "Now, we will start whenever you please." "At once, at once." They then left the tent. According to the Jaguar's orders, John Davis had roused four hundred men, chosen from the boldest and most skilful fellows of the force. They were drawn up a few paces from the tent, motionless and silent. Their rifles, whose barrels were bronzed lest they might emit any denunciatory gleams in the moonbeams, were piled in front of them.