While they were speaking, the earl, accompanied by Desmond, rode forward some twenty yards, as if to obtain a better view. Mike had followed him, but the four troopers remained behind the group of officers, having no orders to follow the general so closely.
"This is good ground for galloping, Captain Kennedy," the earl said quietly. "You are within two miles of Badajos."
"Thank you deeply, sir.
"Now, Mike, ride for it!" and, spurring his horse, he dashed off at a headlong gallop.
There was a shout of surprise, the officers of the staff ran to their horses, which were being held by the orderlies, and the four troopers at once galloped forward, snatching their carbines from the slings.
"Do not fire," the earl shouted as they passed. "Take them alive."
As the officers came up, the general signalled to them to stop.
"Don't go farther, gentlemen," he said. "The troopers will doubtless overtake them; but for aught we know, there may be a Spanish force in the village just on the other side of the frontier, and, instead of capturing two prisoners, you might be taken or shot yourself; and I am not disposed to lose any of my staff, just as we are about to commence operations in earnest."
Desmond looked back. He saw that only the four dragoons were following.
"They will not overtake us, Mike," he said, "our horses are certainly better than theirs."