that, once inside the town, they would at least be better lodged, while
many other evils might be avoided. The town could not hold out against
a determined assault. It might be, carried by a _coup de main_.

"I know all that, my dear Marshal," said Morelos, in reply to the
arguments of Galeana; "we can easily take the town, but the castle will
still hold out, provisioned as it can always be through this unfortunate
isle of Roqueta, with which the garrison is able to keep up a constant
communication."

The isle in question lay in the roadway of Acapulco, two short leagues
from the town. There was a small fort upon it, with a Spanish garrison;
and at the anchorage connected with this fort the Spanish ships,
occasionally arriving with supplies for the fortress, could discharge
their cargoes, to be afterwards transported to the castle in boats.

"Let us first capture Roqueta, then?" suggested Galeana.

"I fear the enterprise would be too perilous," replied Morelos; "we have
scarce boats enough to carry sixty men--besides, the isle is two leagues
out to sea; and just at this season storms may be looked for every
hour--to say nothing of a mere handful of men landing to attack a strong
garrison behind their entrenchments."

"We can take them by surprise," continued the intrepid _Mariscal_.
"Leave it to me, General; I care not for the danger. In the glory of
your name I shall undertake to capture La Roqueta."

"A perilous enterprise!" repeated Morelos, half in soliloquy. "Yes,
friend Galeana," continued he, once more addressing himself to his
Marshal, "although you have taught me to believe in the success of any
enterprise you may undertake, this is really of such a nature as to
require serious consideration."

"Never fear for the result, Senor General! I promise to capture the
isle on one condition."

"What is it?"

"That as soon as you see my signal, announcing that I have mastered the
garrison of Roqueta, you will take the town of Acapulco. Your
Excellency will agree to that?"

Morelos remained for a moment thoughtful, and apparently reluctant to
permit so perilous an attempt.

Just at that moment a rocket was seen ascending into the air, and
tracing its curving course against the still sombre background of the
sky. It had evidently been projected from the fort of Roqueta, which in
daylight would have been visible from the camp of the insurgents.
Morelos and his Marshal, through the open entrance of the