They had been for some time engaged in discussing the important matter in question. The Marshal had been endeavouring to press upon the General the necessity of at least capturing the town: since the troops were not only badly provided with tents and other equipage, but were in such a position among the burning sands, that it was difficult to transport provisions to the camp. Moreover, the situation on the river's bank was exceedingly unhealthy; and fever was daily thinning the ranks, and prostrating some of their best soldiers. The Marshal urged, that, once inside the town, they would at least be better lodged, while many other evils might be avoided. The town could not hold out against a determined assault. It might be, carried by a _coup de main_. "I know all that, my dear Marshal," said Morelos, in reply to the arguments of Galeana; "we can easily take the town, but the castle will still hold out, provisioned as it can always be through this unfortunate isle of Roqueta, with which the garrison is able to keep up a constant communication." The isle in question lay in the roadway of Acapulco, two short leagues from the town. There was a small fort upon it, with a Spanish garrison; and at the anchorage connected with this fort the Spanish ships, occasionally arriving with supplies for the fortress, could discharge their cargoes, to be afterwards transported to the castle in boats. "Let us first capture Roqueta, then?" suggested Galeana. "I fear the enterprise would be too perilous," replied Morelos; "we have scarce boats enough to carry sixty men--besides, the isle is two leagues out to sea; and just at this season storms may be looked for every hour--to say nothing of a mere handful of men landing to attack a strong garrison behind their entrenchments." "We can take them by surprise," continued the intrepid _Mariscal_. "Leave it to me, General; I care not for the danger. In the glory of your name I shall undertake to capture La Roqueta." "A perilous enterprise!" repeated Morelos, half in soliloquy. "Yes, friend Galeana," continued he, once more addressing himself to his Marshal, "although you have taught me to believe in the success of any enterprise you may undertake, this is really of such a nature as to require serious consideration." "Never fear for the result, Senor General! I promise to capture the isle on one condition." "What is it?" "That as soon as you see my signal, announcing that I have mastered the garrison of Roqueta, you will take the town of Acapulco. Your Excellency will agree to that?" Morelos remained for a moment thoughtful, and apparently reluctant to permit so perilous an attempt.