"There is only one which combines them."
"It is Hermosillo," Belhumeur said.
"That is true," Valentine went on. "That city is inclosed with walls. It is the entrepôt of all the trade of Sonora, and consequently very rich; and, which is of the last importance to us, it is only fifteen leagues from Guaymas, the port where reinforcements will land coming from California, if we require them, and where we can seek a refuge if we are compelled to fight our retreat."
The truth of these words was immediately recognised by the hearers.
"I am also inclined for Hermosillo," the count said; "but I must not conceal from you that General Guerrero, who, after all, is an experienced soldier, has so well comprehended the advantages which would result to us from the occupation of that city, that he has concentrated imposing forces there."
"All the better, count!" de Laville exclaimed. "In that way the Mexicans will learn to know us at the first blow."
All applauded these words, and it was definitively settled that the army should march on Hermosillo.
"Another objection," the count said: "the Mexicans are masters of the three roads. We must put them off the scent."
"That is my business," Valentine said with a laugh. "Good! we will make demonstrations on three sides at once, so as to keep the enemy on the move, and we will advance by forced marches on Hermosillo. Still I am afraid we shall lose a heavy number of men."
Curumilla rose. Up to this moment the Araucano had remained silently on a stool, smoking his Indian calumet, and not seeming to hear what was said around him.