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.
Pages:
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145