CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE TRENCHES.
"I have not had time, O'Malley, to think of your application," said Crawfurd, "nor is it likely I can for a day or two.

Read that." So saying, he pushed towards me a note, written, in pencil, which ran thus:-- CIUDAD RODRIGO, December 18.
Dear C.,--Fletcher tells me that the breaches will be practicable by to-morrow evening, and I think so myself.

Come over, then, at once, for we shall not lose any time.
Yours, W.
"I have some despatches for your regiment, but if you prefer coming along with me--" "My dear General, dare I ask for such a favor ?" "Well, come along; only remember that, although my division will be engaged, I cannot promise you anything to do.

So now, get your horses ready; let's away." It was in the afternoon of the following day that we rode into the large plain before Ciudad Rodrigo, and in which the allied armies were now assembled to the number of twelve thousand men.

The loud booming of the siege artillery had been heard by me for some hours before; but notwithstanding this prelude and my own high-wrought expectations, I was far from anticipating the magnificent spectacle which burst upon my astonished view.