The next night the batteries again opened fire on San Vincenti and, on the 27th, the fort and convent were in a blaze. One of the other forts was breached, and both surrendered, just as the storming parties were advancing to the assault; and Marmont retreated the same night across the Douro, by the roads to Tordesillas and Toro.
As soon as it was possible to enter Salamanca, Terence rode down into the town, accompanied by Ryan. The forts had not yet surrendered, but their hands were so full that they had no time to devote to annoying small parties of British officers passing into the town. Terence had noted down the address that Nita had given him, and at once rode there; after having, with some difficulty, discovered the lane in which the house was situated. An old man came to the door. Terence dismounted.
"What can I do for you, senor?"
"I wanted to ask you if your niece, Nita, is still staying with you?"
The man looked greatly surprised at the question.
"She has done no harm, I hope?" he asked.
"Not at all, but I wish to speak to her. Is she married yet to Garcia, the muleteer?"
The old man looked still more surprised.
"No, senor. Garcia is away, he is no longer a muleteer."
"Well, you have not answered me if your niece is here."