"Thanks for the advice," said I, laughing; "it's very kind of you to offer it."
"It costs nothing," he answered banteringly; "which explains why so many people are willing to give it."
After a time I fell asleep, and did not waken till, at the first streak of dawn, an order was quietly passed through the lines for every man to hold himself in readiness.
José sat up, rubbed his eyes lazily, and declared that he could sleep another twenty-four hours.
"There's too much hurry and bustle about this kind of warfare," said he. "Why don't both sides agree to meet at a certain place, and to fight it out?"
"A famous plan, upon my word!" cried the doctor; "it would save no end of trouble."
"And get the business over quickly," said José, who was saddling up. "Hullo, there goes the colonel! I wonder if he ever gets tired?"
"No," laughed the doctor merrily; "he's made of iron."
The dawn was broadening now; and moving from the shelter of the wood, we saw the Spaniards on a level piece of ground about half a mile wide.
"They're trying to gain the ridge on the left," cried José; "that will give them the advantage."