"Because the camp of the enemy lies between the town and ourselves. Two hundred men cannot do much against two thousand." "True, Señor. If it is impossible, we will not attempt it. But at dawn, I will signal to General Gigedo to make a sally from the gates down to the shore; our men will land, and effect a conjunction, and so with small loss they ought to get into the town. Especially under cover of our guns, and those of the forts." "I don't see what use that will be, Pedraza," interrupted Rafael, bluntly. "Caro, Señor! His Excellency ordered this to be done, so it must be done." "Rather a useless task, I think," said Jack, dryly. "However, I am not sorry, as I wish to get into the town myself. But you, Señor Comandante, what will you do?" "Wait till these troops are safe with Gigedo, and also ascertain if the reinforcements have arrived. Then I shall sail north." "You won't wait for the warships and transports?" "Carajo! what use? We shall find those on our way to Tlatonac." After this conversation, Rafael and Jack returned on board _The Montezuma_, the former slightly gloomy in spite of the victory so unexpectedly achieved. "Caro, Juan!" he said, reflectively; "if we lose this war, it will be through Don Francisco Gomez. He is a good politician, but a bad general. What use is there to sacrifice two hundred men to-morrow?" "It's rather like the Charge of the Light Brigade, certainly," replied Jack, with a smile; "as foolhardy and as brave." "What is that, mi amigo?" Whereupon Jack related the glorious charge to Rafael, and thereby stirred up the excitable Spaniard to fiery enthusiasm. "Oh, what men are the English," he cried, stamping his foot. "It is a story worthy of the Cid. But this to-morrow, my friend--it is rare! it is brave! and, like your story, there is no good to be gained." "Perhaps Gomez wants to frighten the rebels by showing them how dauntless are his men." "Dios! That is not wise. The sinking of _The Pizarro_ will frighten them without risking two hundred lives. However, as it is ordered, it must be done. But you, Don Juan! Will you go?" "Assuredly, mi amigo. I wish to see the Señor Correspondent and Felipe." "But you will be killed." "That is as it may be. But no, Rafael. I did not escape the perils of Totatzine to fall in a skirmish before the walls of Janjalla. But see, mi amigo, it is nearly dawn, let us snatch a few hours' sleep." "Bueno!" replied Rafael, leading the way to his cabin; "but first we must call our friends together, and toast our victory once more." It was done accordingly. CHAPTER XIII. WITHOUT THE WALLS. Walls of stone like mountains rise, Grey against the morning skies; Still the royal banner flies, Watched with hate by rebels' eyes. And around the ramparts grey, In the mists an army lies.