"Did you notice that, sir ?" "Yes," Jack said; "I did notice it; for except a few old men and boys, there were none but women and children gathered round or standing at their door.

There were plenty of men about yesterday; but perhaps they have all gone up to work in the fields; however, we will keep our eyes open.

You had best ride forward, sergeant, to the two men in front and tell them to keep a sharp lookout." They were proceeding only at a slow walk in order to keep pace with the wagons, and it was an hour and a half after leaving Estrella before they entered the hills.
Jack noticed that although many women and girls could be seen working in the fields, not a man was in sight.
"It is curious, sergeant, that there are no men about, and I can't help thinking that all is not right.

Do you take four men with you and ride straight on through that nasty narrow valley we noticed as we came.

Keep a sharp lookout on both sides, for there are rocks enough on those hills to hide an army." Jack halted the detachment when the scouting party went forward.