"Very good. I believe—and be good enough to take it as a simple observation, caballero—I say I believe that it would be a masterstroke, which would insure you the victory, to place your enemies between two fires."
"Indeed it would," the count exclaimed; "but how to do it? You yourself said, only a moment ago, that it would be the height of imprudence to send out a scouting party."
"I said, and I repeat it, the grass and woods are at this moment filled with eyes fixed on the hacienda, who will let no one pass out unnoticed."
"Well?"
"Did I not tell you that this war was one of stratagems and ambushes?"
"You did; but I do not understand, I confess, what you are driving at."
"It is however, excessively simple; you will understand me in a few words."
"I much desire it."
"Señor caballero," Don Louis went on, turning to Don Sylva, "do you intend to remain here?"
"Yes; for certain private reasons I must remain some time here."