It occurred to Ned that he might learn more, and he paused.
"Has it been finally settled ?" he asked.

"We attack about three days from now, do we not ?" "Earlier than that," replied the Mexican.

"I know that the time has been chosen, and I think it is to-morrow morning." Ned's heart beat heavily.

To-morrow morning! Even if he got through, how could he ever bring Roylston and the relief force in time?
"I thank you," he said, "but I must hurry with my report." "Adios, Senor," said the man politely, and Ned repeated his "Adios" in the same tone.

Then he hurried forward, continually turning in toward the east, hoping to find a passage where the Mexican line was thinnest.
But the circle of the invaders was complete, and he saw that he must rely upon his impersonation of a Mexican to take him through.
He was in a fever of haste, knowing now that the great assault was to come so soon, and he made for a point between two smoldering camp fires fifty or sixty yards apart.