And at last one of the Spanish officers ventured an explanation: "They are going to attack us by land--to attempt to storm the fort." "Of course." The Admiral smiled.

"I had guessed it.

Whom the gods would destroy they first make mad." "Shall we make a sally ?" urged Esteban, in his excitement.
"A sally?
Through that scrub?
That would be to play into their hands.
No, no, we will wait here to receive this attack.

Whenever it comes, it is themselves will be destroyed, and utterly.

Have no doubt of that." But by evening the Admiral's equanimity was not quite so perfect.