Unhappily, that was impossible. After a moment, the Colonel begged Tranquil to continue his story. The hunter then told him in what way he had managed to cross the enemy's lines and introduce himself into the fort. This bold action greatly struck the Colonel. "You were more fortunate than prudent," he said, "in thus venturing into the midst of your enemies." The hunter smiled good-temperedly. "I was almost certain of succeeding," he said. "How so?" "I have had a long experience of Indian habits, which enables me to make nearly certain with them." "Granted; but in this case you had not Indians to deal with." "Pardon me, Colonel." "I do not understand you, so be kind enough to explain." "That is an easy matter. Blue-fox entered the Texan camp this evening, at the head of two hundred warriors." "I was not aware of it," the Colonel said, in surprise. "The Jaguar, to do honour to his terrible allies, confided to them the camp guard for this night." "Hence?" "Hence, Colonel, all the Texans are sleeping soundly at this moment, while the Apaches are watching, or, at least, ought to be watching over the safety of their lives." "What do you mean by ought to be watching?" "I mean that the Redskins do not at all understand our manner of carrying on war, are not accustomed to sentinel duty, and so everybody is asleep in the camp." "Ah!" said the Colonel, as he began once more, with a thoughtful air, the promenade he had interrupted to listen to the hunter's story. The latter waited, taking an interrogative glance at Don Felix, who had remained in the room till it pleased the Commandant to dismiss him. A few minutes passed, and not a syllable was exchanged; Don Juan seemed to be plunged in serious thought. All at once he stopped before the hunter, and looked him full in the face. "I have known you for a long time by reputation," he said, sharply. "You pass for an honest man, who can be trusted." The Canadian bowed, not understanding to what these preliminaries tended. "I think you said the enemy's camp was plunged in sleep?" the Colonel continued. "That is my conviction," Tranquil answered; "we crossed their lines too easily for it to be otherwise." Don Felix drew nearer. "Yes," the young officer muttered, "we might give them a lesson." "A lesson they greatly need," the Major-domo added. "Ah, ah!" the Colonel said, with a smile; "Then you understand me, Don Felix?" "Of course." "And you approve?" "Perfectly." "It is one in the morning," the Colonel went on, as he looked at a clock standing on a console; "at this moment sleep is the deepest. Well, we will attempt a sortie; have the officers of the garrison aroused." The Major-domo went out: five minutes later the officers, still half-asleep, obeyed their Chief's orders.