"The lieutenant who commands the garrison of Del Valle informs me that
those two guerilleros, whom both sides now regard as outlaws--Arroyo and
Bocardo, I mean--have returned to Oajaca with their band. I have the
honour to solicit from your Excellency that, after this place is taken,
you will grant me permission to go in pursuit of these brigands, and
hunt them as wild beasts."

"You shall have leave to do so, Colonel. I know no one better qualified
to perform such a duty."

"I can promise your Excellency that no one will set about it with more
zeal, nor follow it up with more perseverance."

The war council was then inaugurated without further delay.

Without reporting all that passed at Huajapam, we shall give a few
details that may render more clear the relative situation of the
besieged and the besiegers at this memorable blockade of Huajapam.

"Gentlemen," began Bonavia, addressing himself to his assembled
officers, "it is now one hundred and fourteen days since we opened siege
upon this paltry town. Without counting skirmishes, we have made
fourteen regular attacks upon it; and yet we are at this hour no nearer
capturing it than we were on the first day!"

"Less nearer, I should say," interposed Regules, when the
Commander-in-chief had ceased speaking. "The confidence of the besieged
has grown stronger by the success of their obstinate resistance. When
we first invested the place, they possessed not a single cannon. Now
they have three pieces, which this Colonel Trujano has caused to be cast
out of the bells of the churches."

"That is as much as to say that General Regules is of opinion we should
raise the siege?"

This speech was delivered by Caldelas in a tone of irony, which plainly
expressed that a certain animosity existed between these two generals.
Such was in reality the fact--a feeling of rivalry having long estranged
them from each other. Caldelas was an energetic officer, brave, and of
undoubted loyalty; while Regules, on the other hand, was noted for
unnecessary severity, while his courage was more than questionable.

"It is just that question I have summoned you to discuss," said Bonavia,
without giving Regules time to reply to the taunt of his rival, "whether
we are to raise the siege or continue it. It is for Colonel
Tres-Villas, who is the youngest of you, and of lowest grade, to give
his advice first. Pronounce, Colonel!"

"When fifteen hundred men besiege a place like Huaj