"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!"