any advantage.

The Spaniards tried to get help from the main army by signalling with the
heliograph. This is an instrument by which rays of light are thrown from a
mirror, and flashed from one point to another. It is much used in war.

The Cubans, however, prevented the heliograph from being used, and hoped
that they had the Spaniards cut off from their friends.

By some means the news of the siege reached the main army, and three
thousand troops were sent to the relief of Arroyo Blanco.

No sooner did Gomez see the first of the Spanish soldiers appearing over
the hills, than he laid a plan to win a brilliant victory.

Pretending to be alarmed at the arrival of the Spanish troops, he withdrew
his men from the siege of the town, and appeared to be retreating.

Delighted with their success, the Spanish pursued the Cubans, who led them
into a valley between two hills.

This was the trap into which Gomez had planned to lure his enemy.

When the Spaniards had reached a place that seemed favorable to his
wishes, Gomez gave the signal--Cubans poured down the hillsides, from
behind every rock and bush, surrounded the Spaniards, and completely
defeated them, the Spaniards suffering a severe loss, many of them being
killed, wounded, or taken prisoner.

It is said that this victory has so alarmed Weyler that he has sent to