You will plan, Lieutenant, to leave here at a little before eleven o'clock to-night, which will bring you to the adobe house about midnight.

I will communicate my information to the commander of the forces ashore, and, if not reversed by him, my present instructions will hold." The orders were not reversed.

At 10.45 that night Trent marched his detachment beyond the advanced line.

Every man moved as softly as he could, and there was no jingling of military accoutrements.
Finally the adobe house stood out dimly against the night sky at a distance of less than half a mile.
"If Cosetta has his men with him, they are doubtless sleeping outside, on their arms, tonight," Lieutenant Trent explained, after a softly ordered halt.

"When we attack, Cantor and perhaps Cosetta, will try to escape from the rear of the house, making a quick dash for the interior, while Cosetta's men try to hold us in check.