"I would call your attention to the fact, sir," the lieutenant said, "that at this moment the river is rendered unnavigable by thousands of trees torn from the mountains by the storms, and which it bears along with it."
"I know not whether the river is navigable or not," Don Louis replied firmly, "but of one thing I am certain, that the Apaches will attack you on that side."
"In any case, and not to be taken by surprise, two of the guns will be moved from the isthmus battery, leaving four there, which are more than sufficient, and laid so as to enfilade the river, care be taken to mask them. You will also, Leroux, mount a culverin on the platform of the mirador, whence we shall command the course of the Gila. Go and have these orders executed at once."
The old soldier went out without any reply, in order to carry out the commands of his chief.
"You see, gentlemen," the count then said, "that I hasten to profit by the counsels you are good enough to give me. I recognise my utter inexperience of this Indian warfare, and I repeat that I am happy at being so well supported."
"This gentleman has foreseen everything," the hacendero said; "like him, I believe that the house is most exposed to the river front."
"A last word," Don Louis continued.
"Speak, speak, sir."
"Did you not say, caballero, that you brought with you forty peons, accustomed to Indian warfare, and that they were still here?"
"Yes, I said so, and it is perfectly true."