"That is well," he said, returning it to Don Gregorio, with a smile, "now I am free to act."
The members of the assembly resumed their seats.
"Caballeros," Don Tadeo continued, "as I told you, a bold initiative alone can save us. We must defeat our adversary by promptness. You know the man, you know he possesses all the necessary qualities for a good general; he will not therefore fall asleep in a false security; while his ally, Antinahuel, is an intrepid chief, endowed with boundless ambition. These two men, united by the same interests, may, if we do not take care, give us a great deal to do; we must therefore attack them both at once. This is what I propose: if the plan I am about to submit to you appears vicious, as we are assembled in council, you will discuss it."
He continued—
"We will divide our forces into two parts; the first shall go by forced marches, and attack Arauca. This expedition, the sole object of which is to divide the forces of our adversaries, ought to be made in a manner which will oblige them to send important reinforcements. A second division, composed of all the men in the province capable of bearing arms, will march upon the Bio Bio, in order to lend a hand to the troops of the province of Concepción.
"But," a superior officer objected, "permit me, Don Tadeo, to say that in your plan you forget one thing."
"What is that, señor?"
"Is not this province more exposed than any other?"
"You connect the events which are about to take place there with those that have preceded them."
"Doubtless I do."