"Exactly so," replied the aide-de-camp; "each column will march in subdivisions by adjacent streets, which will mutually support each other in case of need."
"And each subdivision will be separated from the next by a block of barricaded houses 140 yards long," interrupted Evaña.
"You see, General," said the handsome officer, "he has hit upon your weak place at once."
"What does he know?" said the general angrily; "fire away, Craddock."
"In the Spanish cities," continued Craddock, "the churches invariably occupy the most important positions. We have thus fixed upon two churches upon which the three columns will form their base of attack upon the centre."
"We have learnt to-day that they are running up barricades in some parts of the city," said the officer who had spoken before.
"Are they?" exclaimed Evaña eagerly, as he thought of the plan of defence he had left with Don Gregorio Lopez. "Do you know where they have placed these barricades?"
"Near to the principal square," answered the other.
"There is nothing that we know of to prevent us reaching our first positions," said the aide-de-camp. "We shall simply march down the streets musket on shoulder without firing a shot, till we are near enough to inspect these barricades. We may probably have to batter them with cannon before we make our second advance. See, these are the churches I told you of. On the north there is this place, a large convent, I believe."
"Las Monjas Catalinas," said Evaña.