etaliation had come: the besiegers were now besieged
in their turn.

Meanwhile Morelos, having given orders to Galeana to direct the
movement, had posted himself upon a little hill; where, telescope in
hand, he stood watching the progress of the action.

After having coolly arranged his plan of attack, Trujano impetuously
launched himself upon the camp of Regules, at the same instant that
Galeana was advancing upon that of Caldelas.

On both sides the firing was of short duration. Neither the Marshal nor
Trujano were the men to remain long at a distance from their enemy; and
both, charging impetuously forward, brought their men hand to hand with
the Royalists.

Although inferior in numbers to their enemies, the _guerilleros_ of
Trujano made such a desperate attack upon the soldiers of Regules, that
the latter, unable to sustain the shock, were thrown for a moment into
confusion. Their general, however, succeeded in rallying them; and
Trujano, with his handful of men, was held for a time in check.

Meanwhile, Bonavia and Caldelas, having united their forces, were using
all their efforts to resist the desperate charges made by Galeana; who,
notwithstanding the impetuosity of his attack, found himself unable to
break through their line and form a junction with Trujano.

There are men in whose company it is impossible not to feel brave--or at
least have the appearance of it--especially when fighting by their side.
Trujano was one of this character. His ardent valour was contagious;
and alongside of him, Lantejas had no difficulty in sustaining his
reputation for courage.

Nevertheless, the battle seemed to the Captain to be hanging a long time
undecided; and he was growing fearfully troubled that the day would go
against them, when Trujano, wiping the perspiration from his forehead,
cried out to him--

"Captain Lantejas! I fear we shall never be able to break their line
with such a handful of men. Put spurs to your horse, and gallop round
till you find General Morelos. Ask him to reinforce me with two or
three battalions. Say that I have great need of them, and that the
success of the day depends upon it. Ride quickly; and I shall endeavour
to sustain the attack till your return. _Vaya! Capitan_!"

The aide-de-camp, on receiving the order, went off at a gallop, lance in
hand.

At the same instant an officer rode forth from the camp of Regules, on a
similar mission to the Commander-in-chief of the Spani