"Do you know the enemy's position?"
"Perfectly, Excellency; the heads of Generals Berriozábal and Degollados' columns are not more than a league from Toluca, where they intend to make a long halt."
"At what distance are we from Toluca?"
"Following this road, about three leagues, Excellency."
"That is a long way: is there no shorter road?"
"There is one that shortens the distance by more than two-thirds."
"¡Caray!" the general exclaimed, "We must take it."
"Yes, but it is narrow, dangerous, and impracticable for artillery; even cavalry will not pass it without great difficulty."
"I have no artillery."
"In that case the thing is possible, General."