As soon as it was discovered that both lieutenants were keenly alert to their duties, greater speed was shown in assembling the men. Five minutes later all the soldiers had turned out, ready. Some of the men in Hal's platoon began to shoulder their blanket rolls. "Leave your blanket rolls on the ground," directed Hal, stepping over to his men. "It is a warm night, and there's no need of carrying weight until you have to." Captain Foster soon returned, having satisfied himself that work with the escort wagons was progressing rapidly. "All the men of my platoon are out, sir, and ready to move," Hal reported, saluting. "All my men ready, too, sir," Noll added. "Quick work," nodded Captain Foster. "The escort wagons will be here within fifteen minutes. We shall be able to make an earlier start than ordered." A few minutes later three escort wagons, each well laden and hauled by a team of mules, came out on to the road. "Let your men fall in. Hold separate roll calls. Report as soon as ready," directed Captain Foster. The two platoons, drawn up in one rank with a slight interval between, were soon in readiness. "March your platoons," called Captain Foster. "F company, fours left, march," ordered Noll. "H company, fours left, march," followed Hal. Off into the night moved a compact column of men in fours, a sergeant at the head of each platoon, and the two lieutenants on the flanks. Captain Foster noted the start with approval. The column moved on down the road, past the escort wagons, which then fell in at the rear. "Give the men the route step, now," murmured Captain Foster, going past Hal up to the head of the line. "Route step, march," ordered Lieutenant Hal. In another moment the men of the leading platoon had also fallen into the route step. "We'll march four miles to the first halt," said Captain Foster, falling in beside Noll. The road turned to the right, heading west. When the first halt was called the column stopped on a lonely stretch of the highway, in sight of the Rio Grande. After ten minutes the column started again. There were frequent halts, after that, but soon after daylight had come the column made its last halt just outside the village of Agua Dulce. Now camp was quickly made. A soldier, no matter how fatigued, is never too tired to eat. Several score of little fagot fires were soon blazing briskly, and over these coffee was made and bacon fried. The next meal would be furnished by the company cook. Within half an hour after pitching tents breakfast had been eaten, and much progress made with unpacking the escort wagons. "Mr. Terry, you will remain in command of the camp. Keep ten men awake for duty, and relieve the men in two hours. Let the men not on duty sleep. Mr. Overton, you will accompany me into the village."