It was more open country here, and at least I was able to get a glimpse of my own men and exercise some control over them.

There was much firing going on, but for the life of me I could not see any Spaniards, and neither could any one else.

Finally we made up our minds that they were shooting at us from a set of red-tiled ranch buildings a good way in front, and these I assaulted, finally charging them.

Before we came anywhere near, the Spaniards, who, as it proved, really were inside and around them, abandoned them, leaving a few dead men.
By the time I had taken possession of these buildings all firing had ceased everywhere.

I had not the faintest idea what had happened: whether the fight was over; or whether this was merely a lull in the fight; or where the Spaniards were; or whether we might be attacked again; or whether we ought ourselves to attack somebody somewhere else.
I got my men in order and sent out small parties to explore the ground in front, who returned without finding any foe.