ARMY.

When Donald and Adrian left the city they rode slowly along for
some distance without any sign of the retreating Mexicans,
except the occasional sight of some camp utensil which had been
thrown aside as too heavy to carry. Occasionally they met peons
or women, who looked at them curiously, but all of whom were more
than willing to tell of the army that had so recently passed.

"How many men do you suppose General Maas has?" queried Adrian.

"The lieutenant said it was supposed he had about seven thousand.
It may be more, and it may be less."

"Well, they're certainly light-footed," laughed Adrian. "Don't
you think we ought to get closer?"

"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 passed 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 pass 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 t