Then,
as the field-music began to play and the men to assemble in line for
retreat roll-call, they swung the second gate in the same way, and
braced the two with heavy timbers. The boys then reported the gates
closed to the adjutant.
As the companies broke ranks and dispersed the boy sergeants went to
the fifth log, to the left of the gates, and swung it back on its
hinges. This was one of two secret posterns. On the inside of the
wall, when closed, its location was easily noticeable on account of
its hinges, latches, and braces; on the outside it looked like any
other log in the wall. Their work being completed, the boys asked
permission of the adjutant to stand outside the wall and watch for the
mail.
"All right, sergeants," said the adjutant; "there is no further duty
for you to perform to-day."
Frank and Henry ran through the postern, and arrived on the crest of
the bluff overlooking the Prescott road just as a horseman turned up
the height. The news that the La Paz courier had arrived spread
rapidly through the quarters, and every man not on duty appeared
outside the walls.
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