"If we can without being seen."
They put spurs to their horses and for a mile or more galloped along at a fair speed.
Then from a little eminence they saw the rear guard of the retreating army.
"This is near enough," cautioned Donald.
They halted and watched the marching men.
"How far would you say we are from town, Don?"
"At least seven or eight miles."
"Do you know what towns are in this direction?"
"Not the slightest idea. That"s the next thing we must find out."
The enemy having by this time pa.s.sed out of sight, they again spurred forward, but holding their distance.
Darkness had now fallen and the boys were obliged to pick their way more carefully.
For half an hour they rode silently and then Donald spoke:
"They certainly will not march all night. They must have some place in mind."
"So I think," from Adrian. "But there seems no sign of a halt."
Ten minutes later, however, they caught sight of a fire light.
"That looks like it might be a camp," suggested Adrian.
They rode cautiously forward.
"It surely is," affirmed Donald a couple of minutes later. "We"d better dismount and do a little reconnoitering on foot."
The suggestion was immediately put into effect.
Leaving their horses tethered beneath a giant palm, which would serve as a landmark, the boys crept stealthily forward. In a few minutes they were near enough to see figures about the fire.
"They are evidently getting ready to pa.s.s the night," said Donald.
"Yes," from Adrian, "and there is another fire off yonder," and he pointed to the right.
"They are getting ready to post their pickets," explained Donald.
"Then we"d better get busy, Don. There must be some way of finding out where the army is going to stop."
As with one accord they drew still nearer the camp, they could smell the coffee and their appet.i.tes began to a.s.sert themselves.
"Wish I had some," whispered Adrian.
"You"ll get to be as bad as Billie first thing you know," was the retort. "But, hush! There comes some one."
They lay flat on the ground and listened.
Whoever it might be was coming directly toward them.
Not a move did the boys make, hoping that they might not be discovered, but ready to act if they were.
When within ten feet of them the footsteps halted and they heard a voice say:
"This will be far enough. You are the end man on the line."
"Bueno, caporal!"
"Keep a close watch," cautioned the corporal. "You never know what these Americans may do."
"Si, Senor. How far are we from Vera Cruz?"
"About four leagues" (twelve miles). "General Maas will make a stand at Tejeria, about a league further on."
Then as he moved away. "Remember now, no sleeping. This is a real war."
"Bueno, mi caporal. I understand."
The corporal departed and the sentry, shouldering his rifle, began pacing his station.
A minute later Donald gave Adrian a dig with his elbow as a signal, and they slowly crawled away.
"That"s the information we are after," whispered Donald when they were out of earshot. "Now to get back to Vera Cruz as quickly as possible."
They rose to their feet and ran swiftly but silently toward the palm tree, where their horses were tethered.
Suddenly Adrian stopped and grabbed Donald by the arm.
"What is it, Ad?" asked Donald.
"Can"t you see! There is some one there with the horses."
They both peered through the darkness and Donald quickly perceived that Adrian was right.
Then as by one impulse they drew a few steps nearer.
In the dim starlight they were able to make out the figures of several men.
"Do you think they are soldiers?" whispered Don.
Adrian shook his head.