Becoming bold now from long immunity and trusting to their Mexican address and knowledge of Spanish and its Mexican variants, they turned into the main road and pursued their journey at a good pace. They were untroubled the first day but on the second day they saw a cloud of dust behind them.
"Sheep being driven to market," said Obed.
"I don't know," replied Ned, looking back. "That cloud of dust is at least a mile away, but it seems to me I saw it give out a flash or two."
"What kind of a flash do you mean?"
"Bright, like silver or steel. There, see it!"
"Yes, I see it now, and I think you know what makes it, Ned."
"I should say that it is the sun striking on the steel heads of long lances."
"So should I, and I say also that those lances are carried by Mexican cavalrymen bound for Texas. It may not be a bad guess either that this is the vanguard of the army of Cos. I infer from the volume of dust that it is a considerable force."
"Therefore it is wise for us to leave the road and hide as best we can."
"Correctly spoken. The truth needs no bush. It walks without talking."