he schooner, whose unlucky shot had
swamped the canoe, lay at a cable's length from the land, in a little
bay that ran up to the fort.

The Mexican leader now knew the position of his enemy, their numbers,
and means of defence; and, as soon as the dawn began to appear, he
summoned his little band, and formed them into rank. At the same time
he caused the signal rockets to be carried to an eminence that was near
their encampment.

"Now, _muchachos_!" said he, addressing his soldiers in an undertone,
"whatever point we attack, may be considered as taken. We are about to
assault the enemy. We may therefore at once announce to our
general-in-chief, without fear of disappointment, that the isle and
fortress of La Roqueta are in our hands. I have promised it."

And without awaiting a reply from any one, the Marshal took the cigar
from his lips, and held the burning end of it to the fuse of one of the
rockets.

The piece of hemp became kindled at the touch, and the moment after the
rocket rose hissing into the air, and described a circle of vivid red
against the grey background of the sky. A second rocket was sent up,
which traced an ellipse of white light; and then a third, whose
reflection was a brilliant green.

"Red, white, and green!" cried Galeana, "our national colour. It is the
signal I agreed upon with our General, to announce to him the capture of
the isle. Our comrades in the Mexican camp have by this time seen the
signal. They believe we have triumphed, and we must not deceive them.
Forward to victory!"

On issuing the command, Galeana bounded lightly forward and placed
himself at the head of his men; and the whole troop, guided by Costal,
advanced at a rapid pace towards the enemy.

As they approached the fort, cries of distress were heard in that
direction, which at first filled the assailants with surprise. The
cause, however, was soon apparent. The cries came not from the fort,
but from the schooner, which was now seen through an opening between the
trees struggling against the storm, and fast drifting among breakers! A
row of jagged rocks stretched along to leeward; and from driving upon
these rocks, the sailors aboard of her were vainly endeavouring to
restrain the ill-fated vessel.

The latter, during the violence of the wind, had dragged her anchors,
and was now fast hastening to destruction.

"_Jesus Maria_!" exclaimed Galeana at the sight. "Comrades, what a
pity! She will undoubte