If we can take Coimbra it will certainly hamper Massena and, if the worst comes to the worst, we can fall back across the Douro.
"Don't let the bugles sound in the morning.

It is not likely, but it is possible that the French may send out cavalry patrols at night.

If a bugle were heard they might ride back and report that a force was in the neighbourhood, and we should find the garrison prepared for us.

Now we had better do no more talking.

It is past eleven, and we have but four and a half hours to sleep." At half-past three the troops were roused.