them sooner.

As the men were already scattering in search of firewood or other needs
of the camp Ned saw that he was in great danger. He hid behind a
tumulus, half covered by the vegetation that had grown from its
crevices. He was glad that his serape was of a modest brown, instead of
the bright colors that most of the Mexicans loved. A soldier passed
within ten feet of him, but in the twilight did not notice him. It was
enough to make one quiver. Another passed a little later, and he, too,
failed to see the fugitive. But a third, if he came, would probably
see, and leaving the tumulus Ned ran to another where he hid again for
a few minutes.

It was the boy's object to make off through the neighboring forest after
passing from tumulus to tumulus, but he found soon that another body of
soldiers was camping upon the far side of the ruined city. He might or
might not run the gauntlet in the darkness. The probabilities were that
he would not, and hiding behind a tumulus almost midway between the two
forces he took thought of his next step.

The Pyramid of the Moon rose almost directly before him, its truncated
mass spotted with foliage. Ned could see that its top was flat and
instantly he took a bold resolution. He made his way to the base of the
pyramid and began to climb slowly and with great care, always keeping
hidden in the vegetation. He was certain that no Mexican would follow
where he was going. They were on other business, and their incurious
minds bothered little about a city that was dead and gone for them.

Up he went steadily over uneven terraces, and from below he heard the
chatter of the soldiers. A third fire had been lighted much nearer the
pyramid, and pausing a moment he looked down. Twenty or thirty soldiers
were scattered about this fire. Their muskets were stacked and they were
taking their ease. Discipline was relaxed. One man was strumming a
mandolin already, and two or three began to sing. But Ned saw sentinels
walking among the tumuli and along the Calle de los Muertos which led
from the Citadel to the southern front of the Pyramid of the Moon. He
was very glad now that he had sought this lofty refuge, and he renewed
his climb.

As he drew himself upon another terrace he saw before him a dark opening
into the very mass of the pyramid, which was built either of brick or
of stone, he could not tell which. He thought once of creeping in and of
hiding there, but after taking a couple of steps int