In the midst of this was a cleft, through which a little stream ran.

It was here that the boys had made preparations.
The point could not be turned, without a long and difficult march along the face of the cliff; and on the summit of this sixty men, divided into two parties, one on each side of the fissure, were stationed.
The Spaniards advanced until they nearly reached the mouth of the ravine.

It must be remembered that, although the forest was very thick, and the vegetation luxuriant; yet there were paths here and there, made by the constant passing, to and fro, of the occupants of the wood.

Their main direction acted as a guide to the Spaniards; and the hounds, by their sniffing and eagerness, acted as a guide to the advancing force.
They paused when they saw, opening before them, this entrance to the rocky gorge.

While they halted, the increased eagerness of the dogs told them that they were now approaching the point where their foes were concealed; and the prospect of an attack, on so strong a position, was formidable even to such a body.
A small party, of thirty men, was told off to advance and reconnoiter the position.