reinforcements to the mighty general Alba. The soldiers were hastily
ranged on the beach, they put themselves and their weapons in order,
and were soon standing in battle array, ready for their great leader.
Clouds of dust rose in the gray twilight, the returning officer
announced the approach of the general, and as Alba signifies
"morning" in the Castilian tongue, the Spaniards raised a shout of
rejoicing at the coincidence, as at some favorable omen, for as the
knightly train approached the first beams of the rising sun became
visible.

The grave and haggard form of the general was seen mounted on a tall
Andalusian charger of the deepest black. Having galloped once up and
down the lines, he stopped his powerful horse in the middle, and
looking along the ranks with an air of grave satisfaction, he said,
"You pass muster well. That is well. I like it to be so. It is
plain to see that you are tried soldiers, in spite of your youth.
We will first hold a review, and then I will lead you to something
more agreeable."

So saying, he dismounted, and walking toward the right wing he began
to inspect one troop after another in the closest manner, with the
captain of each company at his side, that he might receive from him
accurate account upon the minutest particulars. Sometimes a cannon-
ball from the fortress would whizz over the heads of the men; then
Alba would stand still and cast a keen glance over the soldiers
before him. But when he saw that not an eyelash moved, a smile of
satisfaction passed over his severe pale face.

When he had inspected both divisions he again mounted his horse and
once more galloped into the middle. Then, stroking his long beard,