CHAPTER XVI.
SHADOWING AN 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.