THE TWO CAPTAINS.
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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,
he said, "You are in good order, soldiers, and therefore you shall
take your part in this glorious day, which is just dawning for our
whole Christian armada. We will attack Barbarossa, soldiers. Do you
not already hear the drums and fifes in the camp? Do you see him
advancing yonder to meet the emperor? That side of his position is
assigned to you!"

"Vivat Carolus Quintus!" resounded through the ranks. Alba beckoned
the captains to him, and assigned to each his duty. He usually
mingled German and Spanish troops together, in order to stimulate the
courage of the combatants still higher by emulation. So it happened
even now that Heimbert and Fadrique were commanded to storm the very
same height, which, now gleaming with the morning light, they at once
recognized as that which had shone out so fiercely and full of
promise the night before.