I will undertake that.
Will you march your force down the river, close to the town?
I have a hundred cavalry and, as soon as I have captured the post, I will send them on at a gallop; with orders to ride straight through to the bridge, and prevent any mounted messengers passing across it.
As soon as you hear them come along the road, do you at once enter the town.

I will bring my men on at the double, and we shall not be many minutes after you.
"It would be as well for you to enter it by several streets, as that will cause greater confusion than if you were in a solid body.
The principal point is the great convent of Santa Clara, which has been converted into a hospital.

No doubt a portion of the garrison are there; the rest will be scattered about in the public buildings, and can be overpowered in detail.
"I think we are certain of success.

I hope you will stop for a time and take supper with me and, in the meantime, I will send down orders for my men to be under arms, here, at half-past three." [Illustration: 'Good news.

We are going to take Coimbra.'] Terence and Ryan remained for an hour, and then rode back to the regiment.