 Chapter 1 of The Texan Scouts. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Edmunds. The Texan Scouts by Joseph A. Outcheller. Chapter 1. The horsemen rode slowly toward the west, stopping once or twice to examine the wide circle of the horizon, with eyes that were trained to note every aspect of the wilderness. On his right, the planes melted away in gentle swell after swell until they met the horizon. Their brown surface was broken only by the spiked and thorny cactus and stray bits of chaperol. On his left was the wide bed of a river, which flowed through the sand, breaking here and there into several streams, and then reuniting, only to scatter its volume a hundred yards further into three or four channels. A bird of prey flew on strong wing over the water, dipped and then rose again, but there was no other sign of life. Beyond, the country southward rolled away, gray and bare, sterile and desolate. The horsemen looked most often into the south. His glances into the north were few and brief, but his eyes dwelled long on the lonely land that lay beyond the yellow current. His was an attractive face. He was young, only a boy, but the brow was broad and high, and the eyes, grave and steady, were those of one who thought much. He was clad completely in buckskin, and the hat was wide of brim. A rifle held in one hand lay across the pommel of his saddle, and there were weapons in his belt. Too light, but warm blankets, folded closely, were tied behind him. The tan face and the lithe, strong figure showed a wonderful degree of strength and health. Several hours passed, and the horsemen rode on steadily, though slowly. His main direction was toward the west, and always he kept the river two or three hundred yards on his left. He never failed to search the plains on either side, but chiefly in the south, with the eager and tent gaze that missed nothing. But the lonesome gray land, cut by the coiling yellow river, still rolled before him, and its desolation and chill struck into his heart. It was the depth of the Texan winter, and at times icy gusts, born in far mountains, swept across the plains. The rider presently turned his horse toward the river and stopped on a low bluff overlooking it. His face showed a tinge of disappointment, as if his eyes failed to find objects for which they sought. Again he gazed long and patiently into the south, but without reward. He resumed his wide parallel with the river, but soon stopped a second time, and held up an open hand, like the one who test the wind. The air was growing perceptibly colder, the strong gusts were now fusing into a steady wind. The day, which had not been bright at any time, was turning darker. The sun was gone and the far north banks of mist and vapor were gathering. A dreary moaning came over the plain. Ned Fulton, tried and brave though he was, beheld the omens with alarm. He knew what they portended, and in all that vast wilderness he was alone. Not a human being to share the danger with him, not a hand to help. He looked for Chaperol, something that might serve as a sort of shelter, but he had left the last clump of it behind, and now he turned and rode directly north, hoping that he might find some deep depression between the swells where he and his horse, in a fashion, could hide. Meanwhile the norther came down with astonishing speed. The temperature fell like a plummet. The moan of the wind rose to a shriek, and cold clouds of dust were swept against Ned and his horse. Then snow mingled with the dust, and both beat upon them. Ned felt his horse shivering under him, and he shivered too, despite his will. It had turned so dark that he could no longer tell where he was going, and he used the wide brim of his hat to protect himself from the sand. Soon it was black as night, and the snow was driving in a hurricane. The wind, unchecked by forest or hill, screamed as sound almost human. Ned dismounted and walked in the lee of his horse. The animal turned his head and nuzzled his master, as if he could give him warm. Ned hoped that the storm would blow itself out in an hour or two, but his hope was in vain. The darkness did not abate. The wind rose instead of falling, and the snow thickened. It lay on the plane several inches deep, and the walking grew harder. At last the two, the boy and the horse, stopped. Ned knew that they had come into some kind of a depression, and the full force of the hurricane passed partly over their heads. It was yet very dark, and the driving snow scarcely permitted him to open his eyes. But by feeling about a little, he found that on one side of the dip was covered with the growth of dwarf bushes. He led the horse into the lower edge of these, where some protection was secured, and, crouching once more in the lee of the animal, he unfolded the two blankets, which he wrapped closely about himself to the eyes. Ned, for the first time since the northern rush down upon him, felt secure. He would not freeze to death. He would escape the fate that sometimes overtook lone hunters or travelers upon those vast plains. Warmth from the blankets began gradually to replace the chill in his bones, and the horse and the bushes together protected his face from the driven snow that had been cutting like hail. He even had, in some degree, the sense of comfort which one feels when safe inside four walls with the storm raging past the windows. The horse whinnied once and rubbed his nose against Ned's hand. He too had ceased to shiver. All that afternoon the northern blew with undiminished violence. After a while the fall of snow thinned somewhat, but the wind did not decrease. Ned was devoutly thankful for the dip in the bushes that grew within it, nor was he less thankful for the companionship of the horse. It was a good horse, a brave horse, a great bay Mustang, built powerfully with sinews and muscles of steel. He'd secured him just after taking part in the capture of San Antonio with his comrades, Obed White, and the ring-tailed panther, and already the tie between horse and rider had become strong and enduring. Ned stroked him again, and the horse, twisting his neck around, thrust his nose under his arm. Good old boy, good fellow, said Ned, pinching his ear, if we were lucky you and I to find this place. The horse neighed ever so gently, and rubbed his nose up and down. After a while the darkness began to increase. Ned knew that it was not a new development of the storm but the coming of night, and he grew anxious again. He and his horse, however secure at the present moment, could not stay always in that dip among the bushes. Yet he did not dare to leave it. Above on the plane they would receive the full sweep of the wind, which was still bitterly cold. He was worn by the continued buffettings of blast and snow, but he did not dare to lie down, even in the blankets, lest he never wake again. And while he considered he saw darker shadows in the darkness above him, he gazed all attention and counted ten shadows, following one another, a dusky file. He knew by the set of their figures, short and stocky, that they were Mexicans, and his heart beat heavily. These were the first Mexicans that anyone had seen on Texan soil, since the departure of Kos and his army on parole from captured San Antonio. So the Mexicans had come back, and no doubt they would return in great force. Ned crouched lower, and he was very glad that the nose of his horse was still under his arm. He would not have a chance to winny to his kind that bore the Mexicans, but the horse made no attempt to move, and Ned watched them pass on and out of sight. He had not heard the sound of footsteps or voices above the wind, and after they were gone it seemed to him that he had seen a line of phantoms. But he was sure that his own mortal eyes that beheld that for which he was looking. He and his comrades had been watching the Rio Grande to see whether the Mexicans had crossed, and now he at least knew it. He waited patiently three or four hours longer, until the wind died and the fall of snow ceased when he mounted his horse and rode out of the dip. The wind suddenly sprang up again in about fifteen minutes, but now it blew from the south and was warm. The darkness thinned away as the moon and stars came out in a perfect sky of southern blue. The temperature rose many degrees in an hour, and Ned knew that the snow would melt fast. All danger of freezing was passed, but he was hungry as a bear and tired to death. He unwrapped the blankets from his body, folded them again in a small package which he made fast to his saddle, and once more stroked the nose of his horse. Good old Jack, he murmured. He had called him old Jack after Andrew Jackson, then a mighty hero of the south and west. He passed through the ordeal and never moved, like a silent gentleman that you are. Old Jack Winnie had ever so softly and rubbed his nose against the boy's coat sleeve. Ned mounted him and rode out of the dip, pausing at the top of a swell for a long look in every direction. The night was now peaceful and there was no noise, save for the warm wind that blew out of the south with the gentle sighing sound almost like the note of music. Trickles of water from the snow, already melting, ran down the crests. Lighter and lighter grew the sky. The moon seemed to Ned to be poised directly overhead, and close by. New stars were springing out as the last clouds floated away. Ned sought shelter, warmth and a place in which to sleep, and to secure these three he felt that he must seek timber. The scouts whom he had seen were probably the only Mexicans north of the Rio Grande, and, as he believed, there was not one chance in a thousand of meeting such enemies again. If he should be so lucky as to find shelter, he would sleep there without fear. He rode almost due north for more than two hours, seeking patches of chaparral on both right and left. But, grown fastidious now and not thinking them sufficient for his purpose, he continued his northern course. Old Jack's feet made as deep sighing sound as they sank in the snow, and now there was water everywhere, as that but soft but conquering south wind steadily blew over the plain. When he saw a growth of timber rising high and dark upon a swell, he believed that he had found his place, and he urged his horse to renewed speed. The trees proved to be pecans, aspens, and oaks, growing so densely that he was compelled to dismount and lead Old Jack before they could force an entrance. Inside he found a clear space, somewhat like the openings of the north, in shape and a regular circle, but not more than 15 feet across. Great spreading boughs of oaks had protected it so well that little snow had fallen there, and that little had melted. Already the ground in the circle was drying. Ned uttered an exclamation of relief and gratitude. This would be his camp, and to one used to living in the wilderness it furnished good shelter. At one edge of the opening was an outcropping of flat rock, now quite dry, and there he would spread his bed. He unsettled and unbridled his horse, merely tethering him with a lariat, and spreaded the horse blanket upon the flat rock. He would lie upon this and cover himself with his own blankets, using the saddle as a pillow. But the security of the covert tempted the boy, who is now as hungry as a bear, just come from winter quarters. He felt weak and relaxed after his long hours in the snow and storm, and resolved to have warm food and drink. There was much fallen wood among the trees, and with his strong hunting knife he whittled off the bark and thin dry shavings until he had a fine heap. Working long with flint and steel, he managed to set fire to the shavings, and then he fed the flames with larger pieces of wood until he had a great bed of glowing coals. A cautious wilderness rover, learning always from his tried friends, Ned never rode the planes without his traveling equipment, and now he drew from his pack a small tin coffee pot and tiny cup of the same material. Then, with quick and skillful hands, he made coffee over the coals and warmed them strips of deer and buffalo meat. He ate and drank hungrily, while the horse nibbled the grass that grew within the covert. Glorious warmth came again from the worn feeling departed. Life, youthful, fresh and abounding, swelled in every vein. He now put out all the coals carefully, throwing wet leaves upon them, in order that not a single spark might shine through the trees to be seen by an enemy upon the plane. He relied upon the horse to give warning of a possible approach by man and to keep away wolves. Then he made his bed upon the rock, doing everything as he had arranged it in his mind an hour before, and wrapped in his blankets fell into the soundest of sleeps. The south wind still blew steadily, playing a low musical song among the trees. The beads of water on the twigs and the few leaves that remained dried fast. The grass dried too, and beyond the covert, the snow, so quick to come, was equally quick to go. The horse ceased to nibble the grass, looked at the sleeping boy, touched his blanket slightly with his nose, and then walked to the other side of the opening, where he lay down and went to his own horse heaven of sleep. It was not many hours until day, and old Jack was a light sleeper. When he opened his eyes again, he saw a clear and beautiful winter day of the far south. The only clouds of the sky were little drifting bits of fine white wool, and the warm wind still blew. Old Jack, who was in reality young Jack, as his years were not yet for, did not think so much of the covert now, as he had already eaten away all the grass within the little opening, but his sense of duty was strong. He saw that his human master and comrade still slept, apparently with no intention of awakening at any very early date, and he set himself to gleaning stray blades of grass that might have escaped his notice the night before. Now to woke a little after the noon hour, and sprang to his feet in dismay, the sun was almost directly over his head, showing him how late it was. He looked at his horse as if to reproach his good comrade for not waking him sooner, but old Jack's large, mild eyes gave him such a gaze of benignness and concern that the boy was ashamed of himself. It certainly was not your fault, he said to the horse, and, after all, it probably doesn't matter. We've had a long sound sleep and rest, and I've no doubt that both of us will profit by it. Nothing seems to be left in here for you to eat, but I'll take a little breakfast myself. He did not relight the fire, but contended himself with cold food. Then, resaddling, he left the grove and rode northward again until he came to a hill, or rather, a swell, that was higher than the rest. Here he stopped his horse and took a glance at the sun, which was shining with uncommon brilliancy. Then he produced a small mirror from the pocket of his hunting shirt, and held it in such a position that he made a focus of the sun's rays, throwing them in a perfect blazing lance of light. Then he turned the flaming lance around the horizon, until it completed the circle, and then he started around with it again. Meantime, he was keeping a close watch upon every high point. A hill rose in the north, and he looked at it longest, but nothing came from it. There was another, but lower hill in the west, and before he had completed the second round with this glass, a light flashed from it. It was a brilliant light, almost like a sheaf of white incandescent rays. He lowered his own mirror, and the light played directly upon his hill. When it ceased, he sent back answering rays, to which, when he stopped, a rejoinder came in like fashion. Then he put the little mirror back into the safe pocket of his hunting shirt, and rode with perfect confidence toward that western hill. The crest that Ned sought was several miles away, although it looked much nearer in the thin, clear air of the plains, but he rode now at an increased speed, because there was much to draw him on. Old Jack seemed to share in his lightness of spirit, raising his head once and neighing, as if he were sending forth a welcome. The boy soon saw two figures upon the hill, the shapes of horse and man, outlined in black against the sun, which was now declining in the west. They were motionless, and they were exaggerated into gigantic stature against the red background. Ned knew them, although the distance was far too great to disclose in a feature, but Signal had spoken truly to Signal, and that was enough. Old Jack made a fresh burst of speed and presently nade once more, and answering nade came back from the hill. Ned rode up the slope and greared Obed white in the ring-tailed panther, without stretched hands. And it's you, my boy, said Obed, his eyes glistening, until we saw your signal that we are afraid that you might have frozen to death in the northern, but it's a long lane that has no happy ending, and here we are, all three of us alive and as well as ever. That's so, said the panther. But even when the storm was at its worst, I didn't give up, Ned. Somehow, when things are at the blackest, I'm always hoping, and I don't take any credit for it. I was just born with that kind of streak in me. Ned regarded him with admiration. The ring-tailed panther was certainly a gorgeous object. He rode a great black horse with flowing mane. It was clad completely in a suit of buckskin, which was probably without a match on the border. It and his moccasins were adorned with thick rows of beads of many colors that glittered and flashed as the sunlight played upon them. Heavy silver spurs were fastened to his heels, and his hat of broad brim and high cone in the Mexican fashion was heavy with silver braid. His saddle also was of the high, peeked style, studded with silver. The panther noticed Ned's smile of appraisement and smiled back. Ain't it fine? he said. I guess this is just about the beautifulest outfit to be found in either Texas or Mexico. I bought it all in honor of our victory, just after we took San Antonio, and it soothes my eyes and makes my heart strong every time I look at it. And it helps out on the prairies, said Obed White, his eyes twinkling. Now that winter has made him brown, they need a dash of color, and the panther gives it to him. Fine feathers don't keep a man from being a man for that. What did you do in the storm, Ned? I found shelter in a thick grove, managed to light a fire and slept there in my blankets. We did about the same. But I saw something before I reached my shelter. What was that? exclaimed the two, noticing the significance in Ned's tone. While I was waiting in a dip, I saw ten Mexican horsemen ride by. They were heavily armed, and I've no doubt that they were scouts belonging to some strong force. So they're back on the side of the Rio Grande, said Obed White thoughtfully. I'm not surprised. Our Texans have rejoiced too early. The forest storm has not burst yet. The panther began to bristle. A giant in size, he seemed to grow larger, and his gorgeous hunting suit strained at the seams. Let him come on, he said menacingly. Let Santa Ana himself lead him. We Texans can take care of him all. But Obed White shook his head sadly. We could if we were united, he said, but our leaders have taken to squabbling. You are a cheerful talker, panther, but you deserve both your names. But to tell you the honest truth, I'm afraid of the Mexican advance. I think the Mexicans probably belong to Areya's band, said Ned. Very likely, said Obed, he's about the most energetic of their partisan leaders, and it may be that we'll run against him pretty soon. They'd heard in their scouting along the Rio Grande that young Francisco Areya, after the discovery that he was a spy and his withdrawal from San Antonio with the captured army of coasts, had organized a strong force of horsemen and was foremost among those who are urging a new Mexican advance into Texas. It's pretty far west for the Mexicans, said the panther. We're on the edge of the Indian country here. But Obed considered it all the more likely that Areya, if he meditated Areya, would come from the west, since his approach at that point would be suspected the least. The three held a brief discussion and soon came to an agreement. They would continue their own ride west and look for Areya. Having decided so, they went into the task heart and soul, despite its dangers. The three rode side by side, and three pairs of skilled eyes examined the plain. The snow was only left in sheltered places or among the trees, but the further they went, the scarcer became the trees, and before night they disappeared entirely. We're coming upon the Buffalo Range, said the panther. A hundred miles further west and we'd be likely to strike big herds. When we're through fighting the Mexicans, I'm going out here again. It's the life for me. The night came dark and cold, but fortunately without wind. They encamped in a dip and didn't light any fire, lying as Ned had done in the night before on their horse blankets and wrapping themselves in their own. The three horses seemed to be contented with one another and made no noise. They deemed it wise now to keep a watch, as they might be near Areya's band or Lypins might pass, and the panther, who said he was not sleepy at all, became sentinel. Ned, although he had not risen until noon, was sleepy again from the long ride, and his eyes closed soon. The last object that he saw was the panther standing on the crest of the swell just beyond them, rifle on shoulder, watching the moon-lit plains. Obed White was asleep already. The panther walked back and forth a few times, and then looked down at his comrades in the dip. He strained all his southern tress rising and falling, and he knew that they were far away in the land of nowhere. Then he extended his walk back and forth a little further, scanning carefully the dusky plain. A light wind sprang up after a while, and it brought a low but heavy and measured tread to his ears. The panther's first impulse was to awaken his friends, because this might be the band of Areya, but he hesitated a moment, and then lay down with his ear to the earth. When he rose, his uneasiness had departed, and he resumed his walk back and forth. He'd heard that tread before many times, and now that it was coming nearer, he could not mistake it, but as the measured beat indicated that it would pass to one side, it bore no threat for his comrades or himself. The panther did not stop his walk, as from a distance of a few hundred yards, he watched the great buffalo herd go by. The sound was so steady and regular that Ned and Obed were not awakened, nor were the horses disturbed. The buffalo showed a great black mass across the plain, extending for fully a mile, and they were moving north at an even gate. The panther watched until the last had passed, and he judged that there were fully a hundred thousand animals in the herd. He saw also the big timber wolves hanging on the rear in flanks, ready to cut out stray calves for those weak from old age. So busy were the wolves seeking a chance that they did not notice the gigantic figure of the man, rifle on shoulder, who stood in the crest of the swell, looking at them as they passed. The panther's eyes followed the black line of the herd, until it disappeared under the northern rim of the darkness. He was wondering why the buffaloes were traveling so steadily after daylight, and he came to the conclusion that the impelling motive was not a search for new pastures. He listened a long time until the last rumble of the hundred thousand died away in a faint echo, and then he awakened his comrades. I'm thinking, he said, that the presence of Arreia's band made the buffaloes move. No, I'm not a ring-tailed panther and a cheerful talker for nothing, and we do want to hunt that band. Like it's not, they've been doing some mischief, which we may be able to partly undo. I'm in favor of riding south, back on the herd track, and looking for them. So am I, said Obed White. My watch says it's one o'clock in the morning, and my watch is always right, because I made it myself. We've had a pretty good rest, enough to go on, and what we find may be worth finding. A needle in the haystack may be well hid, but you'll find it if you look long enough. They rode almost due south in the great path made by the buffalo herd, not stopping for a full two hours when a halt was made at a signal from the panther. They were in a wide plain where the buffalo grass yet grew despite the winter, and the panther said with authority that the herd had been grazing here before it started on its night journey into the north. And if we ride about this place long enough, he said, we'll find the reason why the buffaloes left it. He turned his horse in the circuit of the plain, and Ned and Obed followed the matchless tracker, who was able, even in the moonlight, to note any disturbance of the soil. Presently he uttered a little cry and pointed ahead. Both saw the skeleton of a buffalo, which evidently had been killed, not long and stripped of its meat. A little further on they saw another, and then two more. That tells it, said the panther succinctly. These buffaloes were killed for food, and most likely by Mexicans. It was the shots that said the herd to run him. The men who killed him are not far away, and I'm not a ring-tailed panther and a cheerful talker if they don't belong to Araya's band. Isn't that a light, said Ned, pointing to the west? Or is it a firefly or something of the kind? A glowing spark was just visible over the plain, but as it neither moved nor went out, the three concluded that it was made by a distant fire. I think it's in Chaparral or among the trees, said Obed. Or you could see it more plainly. It's a poor campfire that hides its light under a bushel. I think you're right, and it must be Chaparral, said the panther, but we'll ride towards and soon answer our own questions. The light was more than a mile away, and as they advanced slowly, they saw it grow in size and intensity. It was surely a campfire, but no sound could they yet hear that came from it. They did not expect to hear any. If it was indeed Araya and his men, they would probably be sleeping soundly, not expecting any foe to be near. The panther now dismounted, and the other two did likewise. No need to show too high above the plain, he said. And if we have to run for it, we'll take a second to jump back on our horses. Ned did not take the bridle of his horses the others did. He knew that old Jack would follow as faithful as any dog to his master, and he was right. As they advanced slowly, the velvet nose more than once pressed trustfully against his elbow. They saw now that an extensive growth of Chaparral rose before them, and from the center of which the light seemed to be shining. The panther laid down on the prairie, put his ear to the ground, and listened a long time. I think I hear the feet of horses moving now and then, he said. And if so, one of us had better stay behind with ours. A horse of theirs to mine nay, and a horse of ours mine answer. You can't tell, Obed. I guess it'll be for you to stay. I've got a most soothing disposition with animals. No right, said Obed philosophically. I'd rather go on, but if it's better for me to stay, I'll stay. They also serve who stand and hold the reins. If you find out you've got to leave in a hurry, I'll be here waiting. He gathered up the reins of the three horses and remained quietly on the plain, while Ned and the panther went forward, making straight for the light. When they came to the edge of the chaperall, they knelt among the bushes and listened. Now both distinctly heard the occasional movement of horses, and they saw the dusky outlines of several figures before the fire, which is about 300 yards away. They're bound to be Mexicans, whispered the panther, as there are no Texans in this part of the country, and you and me, Ned, must find out just who they are. You lead the way, panther, said Ned, and I'll follow wherever you go. Then be minded careful, look out for the thorns and don't knock your rifle against any bush. The panther lay almost flat, his huge figure seemed to blend with the earth, and he crept forward among the thorny bushes with amazing skill. It was like some large animal trained for countless generations to slip through thickets. Ned, just behind him, could hear only the faintest noise, and the bushes moved so little that one, not knowing, might have credited it to the wind. The boy had the advantage of following in the path made by the larger man's figure, and he too was successful in making no sound. But he could hear the stamp of horses feet clearly now, and both to left and right he cut glimpses of them tethered in the thickets. His comrades stopped at last. They were not more than a hundred yards from the fire now, and the space in front of them was mostly open. The panther, crouching among the bushes, raised his finger slowly and pointed toward the fire. Ned, who had moved to one side, followed the pointing finger and saw Eurea. He was the dominant figure in a group of six or seven gathered about the flames. He was no longer in any disguise, but wore an officer's gorgeous uniform of white and silver. A splendid cock-tat was on his head, and a small gold-hilted rapier swung by his side. It may have been partly the effect of the night in the red flame, but the face of Eurea had upon Ned an effect much like that of Santa Ana. It was dark and handsome, but full of evil. An evil Ned knew Eurea to be. No man with righteous blood in his veins would play the spy and traitor as he had done. I could shoot him from here, whispered the panther, who evidently was influenced in that similar way. Then reach your horses and get away. It might be a good deed, and it might save our lives, Ned, but I'm not able to force myself to do it. Nor I, said Ned, I can't shoot an enemy from ambush. Eurea and the other men at the fire, all of whom were in the dress of officers, were in deep talk. Ned inferred that the subject might be of much importance, since they sat awake, discussing it between midnight and morning. Look by on the fire, the figures lean against the trees, whispered the panther. Ned looked, and hot anger rose in his veins. End of chapter one, recording by Edmunds. Chapter two of The Texan Scouts. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Edmunds. The Texan Scouts by Joseph A. Altsheller. Chapter two. Ned had not noticed at first, but since his eyes were going used to the dim light, and since the panther had pointed the way, he saw a dozen men, arms bound tightly behind them, leaning against the trees. They were prisoners, and he knew instinctively that they were Texans. His blood, hot at first, now chilled in his veins. They had been captured by Eurea in a raid, and as Santa Ana had decreed that all Texans were rebels, who should be executed when taken, they would surely die, unless rescue came. What shall we do? he whispered. Nothing now. Reply the panther in the same soft tone. But if you and Obed and are with me, we'll follow this crowd, and maybe we can get the Texans away from him. It's likely that Eurea will cross the Rio Grande and go down to Mexico to meet CoSor Santa Ana. Are you game enough to go, Ned? I'm a ring-tailed panther, an aurora and grizzly bear, but I don't like to follow all by myself. I'm with you, said Ned. If I have to go all the way back to the city of Mexico, and I know that I can speak for Obed too. I just asked as a matter of form, said the panther. I knowed before asking that you and Obed would stick to me. There was a sudden gust of wind, and at that moment, and the light of the fire sprang higher. The flames threw a glow across the faces of the prisoners. Most of them were asleep, but Ned saw them very distinctly now. One was a boy but little older than himself, his face pale and worn. Near him was an old man, with a face very uncommon on the border. His features were those of a scholar and a skeptic. His cheeks were thin and thick white hair crowned a broad, white brow. Ned felt instinctively that he was a man of importance. Both the boy and the man slept the sleep of utter exhaustion. Area rose presently and looked at his prisoners. The moonlight was shining on his face, and it seemed to Ned to be that of some master demon. The boy was far from denying many good qualities to the Mexicans, but the countenance of Area certainly did not express any of them that night. It showed only savage exultation as he looked at the bound men, and Ned knew that this was a formidable enemy of the Texans, one who would bring infinite resources of cunning and enterprise to crush them. Area said a few words to his officers, and then withdrew into a small tent, which Ned had not noticed to their two. The officers laid down on their blankets, but a dozen sentinels watched about the open space. Ned and the panther crept slowly back toward the plane. What's our best plan, Panther? whispered the boy. We can't do anything yet, but haul off and watch, and then follow. The shepherd all runs along a mile or two, and we can hide in the north end of it until they march south and are out of sight. Then we'll hang on. They found Obed standing exactly where they had left him, the reins of the three horses in his hands. Mack at last, he said. All things come to him who waits long enough if he doesn't die first. Did you see anything besides a lot of Mexican vaqueros, fuddled with liquor and sound asleep? We did not see any vaqueros, replied the panther. But we saw Eurea and his band, and they had among them a dozen good Texans bound fast, men who'll be shot if we three don't stand in the way. You have to follow with us, Obed, because Ned has already promised for you. The main man looked at them and smiled. A terribly good mind reader, that boy, Ned, he said. I knew exactly what I wanted. There's a lot of things in the world that I'd like to do, but the one that I want to do most is just now is to follow Eurea and the crowd of his and take away those Texans. You two couldn't keep me from going. The panthers smiled back. You're surely the right stuff, Obed, why? He said. We're the only three in this bunch, but two of them besides me are ring-tailed panthers. Now we'll just draw off before it's day and hide in the chaperon up there. They rode a mile to the north and remained among dense bushes until daylight. At dawn they saw a column of smoke rise from Eurea's camp. They're cooking breakfast now, said the panther. It's my guess that within an hour they'll be riding south of their prisoners. The column of smoke sank after a while, and a couple of hours later the three left the chaperon. From one of the summits they dimly saw a massive horseman riding toward Mexico. There's our man, said the panther, and now we'll follow all day at this good, safe distance. At night we can draw up closer if we want to. The Mexicans maintained its steady pace and the three pursuers followed at a distance of perhaps two miles. Now and then the swells completely shut out Eurea's band from sight, but Ned, Obed, and the panther followed the broad trail without the slightest difficulty. They'll reach the river before noon, said the panther. There ain't any doubt now that they're bound for Mexico. It's just as well for what we want to do because they're likely to be less watchful there than they are in Texas. The band of Eurea, as nearly as they could judge, numbered about 50, all mounted in an armed well. The Mexicans were fine horsemen, but in training and leadership they were dangerous foes. The three knew them well, and they kept so far behind that they were not likely to be observed. It was only half an hour past noon when Eurea's men reached the Rio Grande and, without stopping, made the crossing. They avoided the quicksands with experienced eyes and swam their horses through the deep water. The prisoners always kept in the center of the troop. Ned, Obed, and the ring-tailed panther watched them until they passed out of sight. Then they too rode forward, although slowly toward the stream. I can't lose them, said the panther, so I think we better stay out of sight now that they're on real Mexican soil. Maybe our chance will come tonight, and again maybe it won't. Patience will have its perfect rescue if we only do the right things, said Obed. And if we think hard enough and long enough we're bound to do them, or I'm a ring-tailed panther and a cheerful talker for nothing, said the panther. Waiting until they were certain that the Mexicans were five or six miles ahead, the three forwarded the Rio Grande on Mexican soil. It gave Ned a curious thrill. He had passed through so much in Mexico that he had not believed that he would ever again enter that country. The land on the Mexican side was about the same as that on the Texan, but it seemed different to him. He beheld again that aspect of infinite age, of the long weariness of time, and of physical decay. They rode more briskly through the afternoon, and at darkness saw the campfires of Aurea glimmering ahead of them, but the night was not favorable to their plans. The sky was the usual cloudless blue of the Mexican plateau. The moon was at the full and all the stars were out. What they wanted was bad weather, hoping meanwhile the execution of the prisoners would not be begun until the Mexican reached higher authority than Aurea, perhaps Santa Ana himself. They made their own camp a full two miles from Aureas, and Obed and the panther divided the watch. Aurea started early the next morning, and so did the pursuing three. The dawn was gray and the breeze was chill. As they rode on, the wind rose, and the edge became so sharp that there was a prospect of another norther. The panther unrolled from his pack the most gorgeous syrup that Ned had ever seen. It was of the finest material, colored to deep scarlet, and it had a gold fringe. Fine feathers are seen afar, said Obed. That's so, said the panther. But we're not coming near enough to the Mexicans for them to catch a glimpse of this. And such being the case, I'm going to put it between me and the cold. I'm proud of it, and when I wrap it around me I'm stronger. It's red color helps me. I think I draw strength from red, just as I do from a fine, tender buffalo steak. He spoke with much earnestness, and the other two did not contradict him. Meanwhile, he gracefully folded the great syrup about his shoulders, letting it fall to the saddle. No Mexican could have worn it more rakeishly. That's my shield and protector, he said. Now blow in, blow snow, I'll keep warm. It blew in, but it did not blow snow. The day remained cold, but the air undoubtedly had a touch of damp. It may rain, and I'm sure the night will be dark, said Obed. We may have our chance. Fortune favors those who help themselves. The country became more broken, and the patches of scrub forest increased in number. Often the three rode quite near to array as men and observe them closely. The Mexicans were moving slowly, and as the Americans had foreseen, discipline was relaxed greatly. Near night, drops of rain began to fall on their faces, and the sun set among the clouds. The three rejoiced. A night, dark and wet, had come sooner than they had hoped. Obed and Ned also took out their syrapes and wrapped them around their shoulders. They served now not only to protect their bodies, but to keep their firearms dry as well. Then they tethered their horses among torn bushes about a mile from Arreia's camp and advanced on foot. They saw the campfire glimmering feebly through the night, and they advanced boldly. They recognized now that a human figure 50 feet away blended with the dusk, and the ground, softened by the rain, gave back no sound of footsteps. Nevertheless, they saw on their right a field which showed a few signs of cultivations, and they surrised that Arreia had made his camp at the lone hunt of some peon. They reckoned right, they came to clumps of trees, and an opening enclosed by them was a low adobe hut, from the open door of which was a light shone. They knew that Arreia and his officers had taken refuge there from the rain and the boughs of the trees or beside the fire. They saw the rest of the band sheltering themselves as best they could. The prisoners, their hands bound, were in a group in the open where the slow, cold rain fell steadily upon them. Ned's heart swelled with rage at the sight. Order and discipline seemed to be lacking. Men came and went as they pleased. Fully 20 of them were making a shelter of canvas and thatch beside the hut. Others began to build the fire higher in order to fend off the wet and cold. Ned did not see that the chance of a rescue was improved, but the panther fell to sudden glow when his eyes alighted upon something dark at the edge of the woods. A tiny shed stood there and his keen eyes marked what was beneath it. What do you think we'd better do, panther? Asked Obed. No roaring just now. We mustn't raise our voices above whispers, but we'll go back in the brush and wait. In an hour or two all these Mexicans will be asleep. Like is not the something else, we'll go back into the thickets where they remained close together. They saw the fire die in the Mexican camp. After a while all sounds there ceased and again they crept near. The panther was a genuine prophet known and recognized by his comrades. Array as men, having finished their shelters were now asleep including all the sentinels except two. There was some excuse for them. They were in their own country, far away from any Texan force of importance and the night could scarcely have been worse. There was no resistance that sought and finally found every opening in one's clothing. Even the stalking three drew their serapes closer and shivered a little. The two sentinels who did not sleep were together at the south side of the glade. Evidently they wished the company of each other. They were now some distance from the dark little shed toward which the panther was leading his comrades and their whole energies were absorbed in an attempt to light two cigarritos which would soothe and strengthen them as they kept their rainy and useless watch. The three completed the segment of the circle and reached the little shed which had become such an object of importance to the panther. Don't you see? said the panther, his grim joy showing in his tone. They saw and they shared his satisfaction. The Mexicans had stacked their rifles and muskets under the shed where they would be protected from the rain. It's queer what foolish things men do in war, said Obed, whom the gods would destroy the first deprived of the sense of danger. They do not dream that Richard, meaning the panther, is in the Chaparral. If we approach this shred from the rear, the sentinels even if they look will not be able to see us, said the panther. By the great horned spoon what an opportunity. I can hardly keep from roaring and raving about it. Now boys will take away their guns, swift and quiet. A few trips apiece and all the rifles and muskets with their ammunition were carried deep into the Chaparral where Obed, gladly sacrificing his own comfort, covered them against the rain with his Serape. Not a sign had come meanwhile from the two sentinels on the far side of the camp. Ned once or twice saw the lighted end of their cigarritos blowing like sparks in the darkness, but the outlines of the men's figures were very dusky. And now for the riskiest part of our job, the one that counts the most, said the panther, the one that will make everything else a failure if it falls through. We've got to secure the prisoners. The captives were lying under the boughs of some trees about twenty yards from the spot where the fire had been built. The pitiless rain had beaten upon them, but as far as Ned could judge, they had gone to sleep, doubtless through sheer exhaustion. The panther's plan of action was swift and comprehensive. Always, he said, I'm the best shot of us three. I don't say it in any spirit of boasting because I've pulled a trigger about every day for thirty years and more than once a hundred times in one day. Now you two can give me your rifles and I'll sit here at the edge of the bushes and you go ahead as silent as you can as there's an alarm on open fire with the three rifles and cover the escape. Handing the rifles to the panther, the two slipped forward. It was a grateful task to Ned. Again his heart swelled with wrath as he saw the dark figures of the bound men lying in the ground in the rain. He remembered the one who was youthful of faith like himself and he sought him. As he approached, he made out a figure lying in a strange position and he was sure that it was the captive lad. A yard or two more and he knew absolutely the boy on his shoulder and whispered in his ear that it was a friend and with one sweep of his knife released his arms crawl to the chaperon there, said Ned in swift sharp tones pointing the way another friend is waiting at that point. The boy, without a word, began to creep forward in a stiff and awkward fashion. Ned turned to the next prisoner. It was the elderly man whom he had seen in the chaperon and he was wide awake staring intently at Ned. Is it rescue? he whispered. Is it possible? It is rescue. It is possible, replied Ned in a similar whisper. Turn a little to one side and I will cut the cords that bind you. The man turned but when Ned freed him he whispered You will have to help me. I cannot yet walk alone. Area has already given me a taste of what I was to expect. Ned shuddered. There was a terrible significance in the prisoner's tone. He assisted him to rise partly but the man staggered. It was also evident that he could not walk. He must help this man but the others were so. Then the good thought came. Wait a moment, he said, and he cut the bonds of another man. Now help your friend here, he said. He saw the two going away together and he turned to the others. He and Obed worked fast and within five minutes the last man was released. But as he crept back toward the chaperon the slack sentinels caught sight of the dusky figures retreating. Two musket shots were fired and there were rapid shouts in Mexican jargon. Ned and Obed rose to their feet and ran for the thickets. The terrific reply to the Mexican alarm came from the forest. A volley of rifle and pistol shots was fired among the soldiers as they sprang to their feet with a tremendous voice roared. Adam boys, Adam, charge him. Now this is your time. Rip and tear and roar and shawl. Don't let a single one escape. Sweep the scum off the face of the earth. The ring-tailed panther had a mighty voice issuing from a mighty throat. Never had he used it to better purpose than on that night. The forest fairly thundered with the echoes of the battle cry and as the dazed Mexicans rushed for their guns only to find them gone they thought that the whole Texan army was upon them. In another instant a new terror struck at their hearts. Their horses and mules driven in a frightful stampede suddenly rushed into the glade and were now busy keeping themselves from being trampled to death. Truly the panther had spent well the few minutes allotted to him. He fired new shots, some more. His tremendous voice never ceased for an instant to encourage his charging troops and to roar out threats against the enemy. Ereia to his credit made an attempt to organize his men to stop the panic and to see the nature of the enemy. But he was born away in the frantic mob of men and horses which was now rushing for the open plain. Ned and Obed led the fugitives to the place where the rifles and muskets were stacked. Here they rapidly distributed the weapons and then broke across the tree trunks all they could not carry. Another minute then they reached their horses where the panther, panting from his huge exertions joined them. Ned helped the lame man upon one of the horses. The weakest two who remained, including the boy, were put on the others. Led by the panther they started northward leaving the Chaperall. It was a singular march but for a long time nothing was said. The sound of the Mexican stampede could yet be heard moving to the south but they, rescuers and rescued walked in silence saved for the sound of their feet in the mud of the windswept plain. Ned looked curiously at the faces of those whom he had saved but the night had not lingered and he could discern nothing. Thus they went a full quarter of an hour. The noise of the stampede sank away in the south and then the panther laughed. It was a deep, hearty, unctuous laugh that came from the very depths of the man's chest. It was a laugh with no trace of merely superficial joy. He who uttered it laughed because his heart and soul were in it. It was the laugh of mirth, relief and triumph all carried to the highest degree. It was a long laugh, rising and falling but when it ceased and the panther had drawn a deep breath he opened his mouth again and spoke the words that were in his mind. I surely did some ripping and roaring then. He said it was the best chance I ever had and I guess I used it. How things did work for us. Them sleepy sentinels and then the stampede of the animals carrying an array and the rest right away then. Fortune certainly worked for us, said Ned. And we can find no words in which to describe to you our gratitude, said the crippled man on the horse. We were informed very clearly by the array that we were rebels and under the decree of Santa Ana would be executed. Even our young friend here, this boy, William Allen would not have been spared. We ain't all the way out of the woods yet, said the panther, now wishing to have their hopes rise too high and then fall. Of course, the array and his man have some arms left. They wouldn't stack them all into the shed and they can get more from other Mexicans in these parts. When they learn from their trailers how few we are, they'll follow. The rescue were silent, save one, evidently a veteran frontiersman who said, let him come. I was took by surprise, not thinking any Mexicans was north of the Rio Grande. But now that I've got a rifle in one shoulder and a musket on the other, I think I could trash an acre lot full of them. That's the talk, said Obed White. We'll say to him, come on, come on, come on. This rock from its firm base may fly, but we're the boys who will never say die. They relapsed once more into silence. The rain had lightened a little, but the night was as dark as ever. The boy whom the man had called William Allen drew up by the side of Ned, thereof about the same height, and each was as tall and strong as a man. Have you any friends here with you, that's Ned. All of them are my friends, but I made them in captivity. I came to Texas to find my fortune and I found this. The boy laughed, half in pity of himself and half with genuine humor. But I ought not to complain, he added. When we've been saved in the most wonderful way, how did you ever happen to do it? We've been following you all the way from the other side of the Rio Grande waiting a good chance. It came to night with the darkness, the rain, and the carelessness of the Mexicans. I heard the man call you William Allen. My name is Fulton, Edward Fulton, Ned to my friends. And mine's Will to my friends. And you and I are going to be friends, that's sure. Nothing can be sure. The hands of the two boys met in a strong grasp, signifying a friendship that was destined to endure. The panther and Obed now began to seek a place for a camp. They knew that too much haste would mean a breakdown and they meant that the people whom they had rescued should have a rest. But it took a long time to find the trees which would furnish wood and partial shelter. It was Obed who made the happy discovery some time after midnight. Turning to their left, they entered a grove of dwarf oaks half acre or so and which much labor and striving built a fire. They made it a big fire too and fed it until the flames roared and danced. Ned noticed that all the rescued prisoners crouched close to it as if it were a giver of strength and courage as well as warmth. And now the light revealed their faces. He looked first at the crippled man and the surprise that he had he felt the first glimpse of him increased. The stranger was of a type uncommon on the border. His large features showed cultivation in the signs of habitual deep thought. His thick white hair surmounted a broad brow. His clothing although torn by thorns and briars was a fine quality. Ned knew instinctively that it was a powerful face one that seldom showed the emotions behind it. The rest except the boy who were of the border, lean, sun brown men dressed in tan deerskin. The panther and Obed also gazed at the crippled man with great curiosity. They knew the difference and they were surprised to find such a man in such a situation. He did not seem to notice them at first but from a seat on a log leaned over the fire warming his hands which Ned saw were large, white, and smooth. His legs lay loosely against the log as if he were suffering from a species of paralysis. The others soaked by the rain which however now ceased were now hovering over the fire which was giving new life to the blood in their veins. The man with the white hands turned presently and speaking to Ned Obed and the panther said my name is Roylston, John Roylston. Ned started I see that you have heard of it, continued the stranger but without vanity. Yes, I am the merchant of New Orleans. I have lands and other property in this region for which I have paid fairly. I hold the deeds and they are also guaranteed to me by Santa Ana in the Mexican Congress. I was seized by this guerrilla leader, Ureya. He knew who I was and he sought to extract from me an order for a large sum of money lying in a European bank in the city of Mexico. There are various ways of procuring such orders and he tried one of the most primitive methods. That's why I cannot walk without help. No I will not tell you what was done. It is not pleasant to hear that it pass. I shall walk again as well as ever in a month. Did he get the order? asked Obed curiously. Roylston laughed deep in his throat. He did not. He said it was not because I valued it so much but my pride would not permit me to give way to such crude methods. I must say however that you three came just in time and you have done the most marvelous piece of walk. Ned shuddered and walked a little space out on the plane to steady his nerves. He had never deceived himself about the dangers that the Texans were facing but it seemed that they would have to fight every kind of ferocity. When he returned Obed and Panther were building the fire higher. We must get everybody good and dry. Said the Panther. Pursuit will come but not tonight and we needn't worry about the blaze. We have food enough for all of you for a day but we haven't the horses and for that we are. If we had them we can get away without a doubt to the Texan army. But not having them said Obed we'll even do the best we can if the Mexicans having run away come back to fight another day. So we will. Said a stalwart Texans named Sfields. That array won't get me again and if I mistook your friend he is Mr. Palma better known or not Pots is the ring tailed Panther, ain't he? Ned saw the Panther's huge form swell. He still wore the great Serape which shone in the firelight with the deep blood red tinge. I am the ring tailed Panther. He said proudly. Then let me shake your hand. You and your pards have done a job tonight and that ain't had its luck often and me being one of them that's profited by it makes it look all the bigger to me. The Panther graciously extended an enormous palm and the great Palma Fields met it in a giant class. A smile lighted up the somber face of Mr. Wilson as he looked at them. Then we found powerful friends when we least expect them, he said. As you were the worst hurt of the lot, said the Panther, we're going to make you a bed right here by the fire. Now it ain't any use saying you won't lay down on it. If you want we'll just have to put you down. They spread a blanket upon which the exhausted merchants lay and they covered him with a Serape. Soon he fell asleep and then Field said to Ned and his comrades, you fellows have done all the work just that we can never wipe it out. Now you good sleep and four of us will watch and no one what would happen to us if we were caught we'll watch well but nothing is to be expected tonight. Suits us, said Obed. Some must watch while others sleep so it runs the world away. Bet you a dollar Ned that I'm off to slumberland before you are. I don't take the bet, said Ned, but I'll run you an even race. In exactly five minutes the two rolled on their own blankets slept on the ground. The other soon followed except four who, unlike the Mexicans, kept a watch that missed nothing. End of chapter two recording by Edmunds. Chapter three of the Texan Scouts. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Edmunds. The Texan Scouts by Joseph A. Altscheller. Chapter three. Morning came, up rose the sun pouring a brilliant light over the desolate plains. Beads of water from the rain the night before sparkled a little while and then dried up but the day was cold nevertheless and a sharp wind now began to search for the weakest point of every one. Ned, Obed and the Panther were up at times but some of the rescues still slept. Ned had the suggestion of the Panther mounted one of the horses playing a half mile to the south. Those keen eyes of his were becoming all the keener from life upon the vast rolling plains but no matter how he searched the horizon he only saw a lonesome cactus or two shivering in the wind. When he returned with his report the redoubtable Panther said, and we'll just take our time. The pursuit's going to come but since it ain't in sight we'll brace up these new friends of ours with hot coffee and vitals. Guess we've got coffee enough left for all. They lighted the fire anew and soon the rose. The rescued prisoners ate and drank hungrily and Mr. Roylston was able to limp a little. Now that Ned saw him in the full daylight he understood more clearly than ever that this was indeed a most uncommon man. The brow and eyes belonged those to one who thought, planned and organized. He spoke little and made no complaint but when he looked at Ned he said you're young my boy to live among such dangers. Why do you not go forth into the states where life is safe? There are others as young as I are younger who have fought or will fight for Texas said Ned. I belong here and I've got powerful friends. Two of them have saved my life more than once and are likely to do so again. He nodded toward Obed and the Panther who were too far away to hear. Roylston smiled. The two men were in singular contrast but each was striking in his own way. Obed of great height and very thin but exceedingly strong was like a steel lathe. The Panther, huge in every aspect reminded one in his size and strength of a buffalo bull. Their uncommon man no doubt said Roylston and you expect to remain with them? I'd never leave them while this war lasts not under any circumstances. Ned spoke with great energy and again Roylston smiled but he said no more. It's time to start said the Panther. Roylston again mounted one of the horses. Ned saw that it hurt his pride to have to ride but he also saw that he would not complain when complaints availed nothing. He felt losing interest in a man who seemed to have a perfect command over himself. The boy, Will Allen, was fresh and strong again. His youthful frame had recovered completely from all hardships and now he was free, armed and in the company of true friends his face glowed with pleasure and enthusiasm. He was tall and strong and now he carried a good rifle and pistol in his belt. He and Ned walked side by side and each rejoiced in the companionship of his own age. How long have you been with them? asked Will me and Obed in the Panther. I was first with Obed away down in Mexico. We were prisoners together in the submarine dungeon of San Juan de Hula. I'd never have escaped without him and I'd never have escaped a lot more things without him either. Then we met the Panther. He's the greatest frontiersmen in all the Southwest and we three somehow have become hooked together. Will looked at Ned a little enviously. What comrades you three must be, he said. I have nobody. Are you going to fight for Texas? I count on doing so. Then why don't you join us and we three will turn into four. Will looked at Ned and his eyes glistened. Do you mean that? he asked. Do I mean it? I think I do. Oh there Panther, you and Obed just a minute or two. The two turned back. Ned and Will were walking at the rear of the little company. I've asked Will to be one of us, said Ned, to join our band and share our fortunes good or bad. Can you make all the signs and has he rid the goat? asked the Panther solemnly. Does he hereby swear never to tell any secret of ours to Mexican or Indian? asked Obed. Does he swear to obey all our laws and bylaws wherever he may be and whenever he is put to the test? He swears to everything replied Ned and I know that he is the kind to make a trustee comrade to the death. Then you are declared this minute a member of our company in good standing, said the Panther to Will and with this grip I give you welcome. He crushed the boys hand at a mighty grasp that made him lose confidence and Obed followed with one that was almost equally severe but the boy did not mind the physical pain instead his soul was uplifted. He was now the chosen comrade of these three paladins and he was no longer alone in the world but he merely said I'll try to show myself worthy they were compelled to stop at noon for a rather long rest as walking was tiresome. Fields who was a good scout went back and looked for pursuers but announced that he saw none and after an hour they started again thinking said the Panther that is already organized to pursue many as powerful glasses and can see us when we can't see him he may mean to attack tonight it's a lucky thing for us that we can find timber now and then it's likely that you're right about tonight so but there's no night so dark that it doesn't have it's silver lining I guess everybody in this little crowd is a good shot unless maybe it's Mr. Rolston as we have about three guns apiece and we can make it mighty hot for any force that area may bring against us they now began to search for timber looking especially for some clump of trees that also enclosed water they did not anticipate any great difficulty in regard to the water as the winter season and the heavy rains had filled the dry creek beds and had sent torrents down the arroyos before dark they found a stream about a foot deep running over sand between banks seven or eight feet high toward the Rio Grande a mile further on a small grove of myrtle oaks and pecans grew on its left bank and there they made their camp feeling that they must rely upon their valor and watchfulness and not upon secrecy they built a fire and ate a good supper then they put out the fire and half of them remained on guard the other half going to sleep except Rolston who sat with his back to a tree his injured legs resting upon a bed of leaves which the boys had raked up for him he had been riding old Jack and the horses seemed to like him but after the stop Ned himself had looked after his mount the boy allowed old Jack to graze a while and then he looked himself in the thickest of the woods just behind the sleeping man he wished the horse to be as safe as possible in case bullets should be flying and he could find no better place for him but before going he stroked his nose and whispered in his ear good old Jack, braze fellow, he said we are going to have trouble as times you and I along with the others but I think we are going to ride through them safely the horse went in ever so softly and nuzzled Ned's arm the understanding between them was complete by the bank of the creek as he was on the early watch on the way he passed Rolston who regarded him attentively I judge that your leader Mr. Palma whom you generally call the panther is expecting an attack said the merchant he's the kind of man who tries to provide for everything replied Ned of course then said Rolston he provides for the creek bed the Mexican skirmishers can come up it and yet be protected by its banks that is so said the panther who had approached as he was speaking it's the one place that we've got to watch most and Ned and me are going to sit there on the banks always looking I see that you've got the eye of a general Mr. Rolston the merchant smiled I'm afraid I won't count for much in battle he said and least of all hampered as I am now but if the worst comes to the worst I can sit here with my back to this tree and shoot if you will kindly give me a rifle and ammunition I shall be ready for the emergency but it is your time to sleep Mr. Rolston said the panther I don't think I can sleep and as I cannot I might as well be of use the panther brought him the rifle powder and bullets and Rolston leaning against the tree rifle across his knees watched with bright eyes sentinels were placed at the edge of the grove but the panther and Ned as arranged were on the high bank overlooking the bed of the creek now and then they walked back and forth meeting at intervals but most of the time each kept to his own particular part of the ground Ned found an oak blown down by the bank by some hurricane and there was a comfortable seat on a bow with the trunk as the rest for his back he remained there a long time but his ease did not cause him to relax his vigilance he was looking toward the north and he could see 200 yards or more up the creek bed to a point where it curved the bed itself was about 30 feet wide although the water did not have a width of more than 10 feet everything was now quite dry as the wind had been blowing all day but the breeze had died with the night and the camp was so still that Ned could hear the faint trickle of the sand it was a fair night with a cold moon and stars looking down the air was full of chill and Ned began to walk up and down in order to keep warm he noticed Roylston still sitting with eyes wide open and rifle across his lap as Ned came near his walk the merchant turned his bright eyes upon him I hear he said that you have seen Santa Ana more than once several times when I was a prisoner in Mexico and again when I was recaptured what do you think of him his eyes fixed upon Ned became intense and concentrated a great man a wickedly great man Roylston turned his look away and interlaced his fingers thoughtfully a good description I think he said you have chosen your words well a singular compound is this Mexican a mixture of greatness vanity and evil I may talk to you more of him someday but I tell you now that I am particularly desirous of not being carried a prisoner to him he lifted his rifle and put it stocked on his shoulder and then drew a bead I think I could hit at 40 or 50 yards in this good moonlight he said he replaced the rifle across his knees inside Ned was curious but he would not ask questions and he walked back to his old position by the bank here he made himself easy and kept his eyes on the deep trench that had been cut by the stream the shadows were dark against the bank but it seemed to him that they were darker than they had been before Ned's blood turned a little colder and his scalp tingled he was startled he was afraid he looked intently and saw moving figures in the riverbed keeping close against the bank he could not see faces he could not even discern a clear outline of the figures but he had no doubt that these were areas Mexican he waited only a moment longer to assure himself that the dark moving line was fact and not fancy then aiming his rifle at the foremost shape he fired while the echo of the sharp crack was yet speeding across the plane he cried up man up areas here of all he came from the creek bed in an instant the panther obed will and fields were by Ned's side down on your faces cried the panther and pot him as they run so they thought go around the grove and come down to the north and surprise us this way give it to him boys the rifles flashed and the dark line in the bed of the creek now broke into a huddle of flying forms three fell but the rest ran splashing through the sand and water until they turned the curve and were protected from the deadly bullets then the panther calling to the others rushed to the other side of the grove by a ray in person had been begun here men on horseback charged directly at the wood but they were met by fire which emptied more than one saddle much of the charge was a blur to Ned a medley of fire and smoke of beating hoofs and of cries but one thing he saw clearly and never forgot it was the lame man with thick white hair sitting with his back against a tree calmly firing a rifle at the Mexicans Royalston had time for only two shots but when he reloaded the second time he placed the rifle across his knees and smiled most Mexican troops would have been content with a single charge but these returned encouraged by shouts and driven on by fierce commands Ned saw a figure waving a sword he believed it to be a rare and he fired but he missed and the next moment the horseman was lost in the shadows the second charge was beaten back like the first several skirmishers who had tried to come anew down the bed of the creek were also put to flight two Mexicans got into the thickets and tried to stampede the horses and defeated their aim one of the Mexicans fell there but the other escaped in the darkness when a second charge was driven back and the horses were quieted the panther and oba had thrashed up the woods lest some Mexican musketeer should lie hidden there nobody slept anymore that night Ned, Will and the panther kept a sharp watch upon the bed of the creek the moon and the stars fortunately aiding them but the Mexicans did not venture again by that perilous road although toward morning they opened a scattering random among the trees and thickets some of the Texans crawling to the edge of the wood replied but they seemed to have little chance for a good shot as the Mexicans lay behind a swell the besiegers grew tired after a while and silence came again three of the Texans had suffered slight wounds but the panther and fields bound them up skillfully it was still light enough for these tasks fields was particularly jubilant over their success as he has a right to be the day before he could look forward only to his own execution now he was free and victorious exultantly he hummed you've heard I suppose of New Orleans it's famed for youth and beauty there are girls of every hue it seems from Snowy White to Sooty now Packinham has made his brags if he was that day was lucky he'd have the girls in cotton bags in spite of old Kentucky but Jackson he was wide awake and was not scared at trifles for while he knew the Kentucky's boys with their death dealing rifles he led them down to Cypress swamp there stood John Boland Marshall Pomp and there stood old Kentucky pretty good song that of yours said the panther approvingly where'd you get it? from my father replied Fields he's a Kentuckian and he fitted New Orleans he was always helping that song and it come back to me after we drove off the Mexicans stroke me that it was wrought timely Ned and Will on their own initiative had been drawing all the fallen logs that they could find and moved to the edge of the wood and having finished the task I was in the middle of the creek Roylston the rifle across his knees was sitting with his eyes closed but he opened them as they approached they were uncommonly large and bright eyes and they expressed pleasure it gratifies me to see that neither of you is hurt he said this has been a strange night for two who are as young as you are and it is a strange night for me too I never before thought that I should be firing at anyone with intent to kill but events are often too powerful for us I am going to sleep a little if I can he said but Ned and Will could not sleep they went to Ned's old position at the edge of the creek bed and together watched the opening dawn they saw the bright sun rise over the great plains and the dew sparkle for a little while on the thorough grass the day was cold but apparently it had come with peace they saw nothing on the plane although they had no doubt that the Mexicans were waiting just beyond the first swell but Ned and Will discerned three dark objects flying on the sand up the bed of the creek and they knew that they were the men who had fallen in the first rush Ned was glad that he could not see their faces at the suggestion of the panther they lighted fires and had warm food and coffee again thus putting hearts into all the defenders then the panther chose Ned for a little scouting work on horseback Ned found old Jack seeking blades of grass within the limits allowed by his lariat but when the horse saw his master he stretched out his head and made I think I understand you not enough food and no water well I'll see that you get both later but now we're just going on a little excursion the panther and Ned rode boldly out of the trees and advanced a short distance upon the plane two or three shots were fired from a point behind the first swell but the bullets fell far short I countered on that said the panther if a Mexican has a gun it's mighty hard for him to keep from firing it all we wanted to do was to uncover their position and we've done it we'll go back now and wait for them to make the first move but they did not go just yet a man on horseback was waving a large white handkerchief appeared on the crest of the swell and rode toward them it was Ureya he knows that he can trust us well we don't know that we can trust him said the panther so we'll just wait here and see what he has to say Ureya looking fresh and spirited came on with confidence and saluted in a light easy fashion the two Americans did not even return the salute but waited gravely but I ain't even if we are enemies said Ureya so I say good morning to you both former friends of mine I have no friendship with spies and traitors throughout the panther I serve my country in the way I think best said Ureya and you must remember that in our view you two are rebels and traitors we don't stab in the back said the panther Ureya flushed through his swarthy skin we will not argue the point any further he said but come at once to the business before us your rescue of the prisoner was very clever also you beat us off last night but now I have a hundred men with me and we have plenty of arms we are bound to take you sooner or later then why do you want to talk to us about it said the panther because I wish to save bloodshed well then what do you have to say give us the man Roylston and the rest of you can go free why are you so anxious to have Roylston Ned eagerly awaited the answer it was obvious that Roylston had rather minimized his own importance Ureya flicked the mane of his Mustang with a small whip and replied our president in general the illustrious Santa Ana is extremely anxious to see him secrets of state are not for me I merely seek to do my work and you take this from me said the panther a blunt frontiersman my comrades and me ain't buying our lives at the price of nobody else's do you feel that way about it do you that's just the way I feel and I want to say too that I wouldn't take the word of either you or your Santa Ana to give up Roylston which we don't dream of doing you would be after us as hot and strong as ever Ureya's worthy cheeks flushed again I shall not notice your insults he said they are beneath me I am a Mexican officer and gentlemen you are mere riders of the planes all the same said the panther grimly if you're going to talk you have to talk with us that is true said Ureya lightly having regained complete control of his temper in war one cannot choose his enemies I make you a proposition once more give us Roylston and go if you do not accept we shall nevertheless take him and all of you who will not fall first remember that you are rebels and traitors and that you will surely be shot or hanged I don't remember any of them things said the panther grimly what I do remember is that we are Texans fighting for our rides to hang a man you first gotta catch him and to shoot him you first gotta hit him and since things are to be remembered remember that you are trying to do to us and with that I reckon we'll bid you good day Mr. Ureya Ureya bowed but said nothing he rode back towards his men and Ned and the panther returned to the grove Roylston was much better that morning he was able to stand leaning against a tree may I ask the result of your conference he said there ain't no secret about it played the panther but then Mexicans seem to be almighty fond of you Mr. Roylston in what way did they show it Ureya said that all of us could go if we would give you up and your answer the panther leaned forward a little on his horse you know something about the Texans don't you Mr. Roylston I've had much opportunity to observe and study them well they've got plenty of faults but you haven't heard of them buying their lives at the price of a comrades have you I have not but I wish to say Mr. Palma that I'm sorry you returned this answer I should gladly take my chances with the rest of you could go we'd never think of it said the panther Mexicans wouldn't keep their word they're gonna besiege us here hoping maybe that starvation or thirst will make you give you up now the first thing for us to do is get water for the horses this presented a problem as the horses could not go down to the creek owing to the steep high banks but the Texans soon solved it the cliff was soft and they quickly cut a smooth sloping path with their knives and hatches old Jack was the first to walk down and Ned led him the horse hung back a little but Ned patted his head and talked to him in equal under such persuasion old Jack finally made the venture and when he landed safely at the bottom he drank eagerly then the other two horses followed meanwhile two riflemen kept a keen watch up and down the creek bed for lurking Mexican sharpshooters but the watering of the horses was finished without incident and they were tethered once more in the thicket fields and another man kept a watch upon the plane and the rest conferred under the trees the panther announced that by a great reduction of rations the food could be made to last two days longer it was not a cheerful statement as the Mexicans must know the scanty nature of their supplies and would wait with all the patience of Indians all the things including starvation come to him who waits long enough said Obed White soberly well just set the day through said the panther and see what turns up but the day was quite peaceful it was warmer than usual and bright with sunshine the Mexicans appeared on some of the knolls seemingly near in the clear thin air but far enough away to be out of rifle shots and began to play cards or lol on their sarapes several went to sleep they mean to show us that they have all the time in the world said Ned to Will and that they were willing to wait until we fall like ripe apples into their hands do you think they will get us again ask Will anxiously I don't we've got food for two days and I believe that something will happen in our favor within that time don't you notice Will that it's beginning to cloud up again in winter you can't depend upon bright sunshine to last always I think we're gonna have a dark night and it's giving me an idea what is it I won't tell you because it may amount to nothing it all depends upon what kind of night we have the sun did not return the clouds banked up more heavily in the afternoon Ned went to the panther they talked together earnestly looking frequently at the skies and the faces of both expressed satisfaction then they entered the bed of the creek and examined it critically Will was watching them when the two separated Ned came toward him he said I can guess your idea now we mean to escape tonight I picked up the bed of the creek Ned nodded your first guess is good he said if the promise of a dark night keeps up we're going to try the promise was fulfilled the Mexicans made no hostile movement throughout the afternoon but they were maintained a rigid watch when the sun had set the thick night had come down the panther told with a daring enterprise they were about to undertake and all approved by nine o'clock the darkness was complete and the little band gathered at the point where the path was cut down to the bed of the creek the Mexicans were on all sides of the grove but the panther did not believe that any of them owing to bitter experience would enter the cut made by the stream but as leader he insisted upon the least possible noise the greatest difficulty would be with the horses Ned at the head of old Jack led the way old Jack made the descent without slipping and in a few minutes the entire force stood upon the sand they had made no sound that anyone could have heard 30 yards away now Mr. Roylston whispered the panther to the merchant we'll get on Ned's horse and we'll be off Roylston sighed it hurt his pride that he should be a burden but he was a man a few words and he mounted in silence then they moved slowly over the soft sand they had loaded the extra rifles and muskets on the other two horses but every man remained thoroughly armed and ready on the instant of any emergency Obed and the panther led just behind them came Ned and Will they went very slowly in order to keep the horses feet from making any sound that licks sending Mexican sentinels might hear unfortunate in the sand which was fine and soundless like a carpet Ned thought that the Mexicans would not make any attempt upon the grove until late at night and then only with skirmishers and snipers or they might not take any attempt at all content with their cordon but it was thrilling work as they crept along the soft sand and the darkness in between the high banks Ned felt a prickling of the blood an unconscious footstep or a stumble by one of the horses might bring the whole Mexican force down upon them at any moment but there was no unconscious footstep so they ordered any horse stumble the silent procession moved on past the curve in the bed of the creek and continued its course Aurea had surrounded the grove completely his men were on both sides of the creek but no sound came to them and they had a healthy respect for the deadly Texan rifles their leader had certainly been wise in deciding to starve them out meanwhile the little procession in the bed of the creek increased its speed slightly the Texans were now a full 400 yards from the grove and their confidence was rising however our absence until morning whispered Ned to Will will surely get away then I hope they won't discover it until then said Will fervently I don't want to die in battle just now nor do I want to be executed in Mexico for a rebel or for anything else they were now a full mile from the grove and the banks of the creek were decreasing in height they did not rise anywhere more than 3 or 4 feet but the water increased in depth and the margin of sand was narrower the panther called a halt and they listened to the dips in the swells and the lone lone howl of a lonesome coyote we've slipped through them by the great horn spoon we slipped through them said the panther exultantly now boys we'll take to the water there to throw them off our track when they try to follow it in the morning their creek was now about 3 feet in depth and flowing slowly like most streams in that region but over a bed of hard sand where the trace of a footstep would quickly vanish the water was likely to be cold said the panther and stayed behind and could sort with the Mexicans who don't care much for water they'd on McDuff said obed there's nobody who will cry old enough the panther waited directly into the middle of the stream and all the others followed the horses splashing the water made little noise but they were not careful in that particular now since they had put a mile between themselves and the grove in fact the panther urged them to greater speed careless of the sounds and they kept in the water for a full 2 miles further then they quit the stream at a point where the soil was likely to leave traces of their footsteps and stood for a little while upon the prairie resting and shivering then they started at a rapid pace across the country pushing through the Rio Grande until noon then fields stocked and shot an antelope with which they renewed their supply of food in the afternoon it rained heavily but by dark they reached the Rio Grande across which they made a dangerous passage as the waters had risen and stood once more on the soil of Texas thank God said Will thank God repeated Ned which all felt they must have end of chapter 3 recording by Edmonds chapter 4 of the Texan Scouts this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Edmonds the Texan Scouts by Joseph A. Altscheller chapter 4 it proved a difficult matter to find shelter all the members of the little group were wet and cold and a bitter wind with snow began to whistle once more across the plain but everyone strove to be cheerful and the relief that their escape had brought was still a tonic to their spirits yet they were not without comment upon their condition I've seen hard winters in Maine said Obed White but there you are ready for them here it tricks you with a warm sunshine and then with snow you suffer from surprise we've got to find a cabin said the panther they make it a whole city with a fine big hotel right in the center of it seems to me there's about as much chance of one as the other no there ain't said the panther there ain't no town but there are huts I've rid over this country for 20 years I know something about that there are four or five cellars cabins in the valleys of the creeks running down the Rio Grande I had a mighty good dinner one of them months they are more unlikely to be abandoned now all into the war in their exposed situation but if the roofs haven't fell in any of them is good enough for us then you lead on said Obed the quicker we get there the happier all of us will be I may not lead straight but I'll get you there replied the panther confidently broilston at his own urgent insistence dismounted and walked a little while when he retook himself again the back of old Jack he spoke with quiet confidence I'm regaining more strength rapidly he said in a week or two I shall be as good as I ever was meanwhile my dad's you already great is accumulating the panther laughed you don't know us nothing he said why on this frontier it's one man's business to help another out of a scrape if we didn't do that we couldn't live nevertheless I shall try to pass said broilston in significant tones for the moment we'll think of that hut we're looking for said the panther there will be more in a hut said Will who is of a singularly cheerful nature I can see it now it will be a gorgeous place its name will be the end of the panther mean eels and gorgeous livery will show us to our chambers one for every man where we will sleep between watch sheets of the finest linen I wonder if they'll let us take our rifles to bed with us said dad because in this country I don't feel that I can part with mine even for a moment that is a mere detail we will discuss with our host said Obed perhaps after you've eaten of the chicken and drunk of the wine at this glorious end of the panther he will not be so particular about the company of your rifle Mr. Poulton the panther uttered a cry of joy I've got my bearings exactly now he said any more than four miles to a cabin that I know of and if raiders haven't smashed it it'll give us all the shelter we want didn't need a swiftly said Obed there's no sunset or anything to give a mystical lure but the coming of that cabin cast its shadow before or at least I wanted to do it the panther's announcement brought new courage to everyone and they quickened their lagging footsteps he led toward a dark line of timber which now began to show through the driving snow and when they passed among the trees he announced once more with exultation only a mile farther boys and we'll be aware that cabin stands or stood don't get your feelings too high because it may have been wiped off the face of the earth a little later he uttered another cry and this was the most exultant of all there she is he said pointing ahead she ain't been wiped away by nobody or nothing don't you see her that big stout cabin ahead I do said young Alan joyously and it's the end of the panther it shares you Leia but I don't see any smoke coming out of the chimney said Ned and there are no gorgeous menials standing on the doorstep waiting for us it's been abandoned a long time said the panther I can tell by its looks but I'm thinking that it's good enough for us and mighty welcome and there's a shed behind the house that'll do for the horses boys are traveling in tall luck the cabin a large one built of logs in adobe was certainly a consoling sight they had almost reached the limit of physical endurance but they broke into Iran to reach it the panther and Ned were the first to push open the heavy swinging door and they entered side by side it was dry within the solid board roof did not seem to be damaged at all and the floor apart packed earth was as dry as a bone also at one end was a wide stone fireplace cold long since and a chimney of mud and sticks there were two windows closed with heavy cardboard shutters there was no furniture in the cabin except two rough wooden benches evidently the original owners had prepared well for their flight but it was likely that no one had come since the lonely place among the trees had passed unobserved by raiders the shed behind the cabin was also in good condition and they tethered their horses there the shed behind the cabin was also in good condition and there they tethered the horses which were glad enough to escape from the bitter wind and driving snow as they no longer feared pursuit it was agreed unanimously that they must have luxury in this case the fire meant the greatest of all luxuries they gathered an abundance of fallen wood knocked the snow from it and heaped it on the other side of the fireplace they cut with infinite difficulty dry shavings from the inside of the logs in the wall of the house and after a full hour of hard work lighted ablaze with flint and steel the rest was easy and soon they had a roaring fire they fastened the door with a wooden bar which yet stood in its place and let the windows remain shut although there was a lack of air they did not yet feel it and gave themselves up to the luxury of the glowing heat they took off their clothes and held them before the fire when they were dry and warm they put them on again and they felt like new beings strips of the antelope were fried on the ends of ramrods and they ate plentifully all the chill was driven from their bodies and in its place came a deep pervading sense of comfort the bitter wind yet howled without and they heard the snow driven against the sound heightened their feeling of luxury they were like a troop of boys now all of them except Roylston he sat on one of the piles of wood and his eyes gleamed as the others talked I vote that we enlarge the name of Ari and said Alan since our leader has black hair and black eyes let's call it the end of the Black Panther all in favor of that motion say aye they roared all against it say no silence the end of the Black Panther it is said Will as the most welcoming that ever hails me the panthers smiled benevolently I don't blame you boys for having a little fun he said it does feel good to be here after all that we've been through the joy of the Texans was irrepressible Field began to pat and three or four of them danced up and down the earth and floor of the cabin Will watched with dancing eyes Ned more sober sat by his side however the high spirits most grow calm at last and gradually the singing and dancing ceased it had grown quite close in the cabin now and one of the window shutters was thrown open permitting a rush of cool fresh air that was very welcome Ned looked out the wind was still whistling and moaning and the snow like a white veil into trees the man one by one went to sleep on the floor Obed and Fields kept watch at the window during the first half of the night and the Panther and Ned relieved them for the second half they heard nothing but the wind and saw nothing but the snow day came with the hidden sun and the fine snow still driven by the wind but the Panther a good judge of weather predicted the cessation of the snow within an hour the men awoke and rose slowly from the floor they were somewhat stiff but no one had been overcome and after a little stretching of the muscles all the soreness disappeared the horses were within the shed unharmed and warm but hungry they relighted the fire and broil some strips of the antelope but they saw that little would be left the Panther turned to Royalston who inspired respect in the mall now Mr. Royalston he said we've got to agree upon some course of action and we've got to put it to ourselves squarely I take it that all of those who want to serve Texas ain't one way or another but we've got only three horses and we're about out of food and we're a long distance from the main Texan settlements it ain't any use for us to start ripping and tearing unless we got something to rip and tear with good words said Obed White a speech in time saves errors nine I'm glad you put the question Mr. Palmer said to Royalston our affairs have come to a crisis and we must consider I too wish to help Texas but I can help it more in other ways than better it did not encourage any of them to doubt him he had already established over them the mental ascendancy that comes from a great mind used to dealing with great affairs but we are practically dismounted he continued it is winter and we do not know what would happen to us if we undertook to realm of the prairies as we are on the other hand we have an abundance of arms and ammunition and a large and quite well built cabin I suggest that we keep ourselves with food and stay here until we can acquire suitable mounts we may also contrive to keep a watch on any Mexican armies that may be marching north I perhaps have more reason than any of you for hastening away but I can spend the time profitably and regaining the use of my limbs your little talk sounds mighty good to me said the panther in fact I don't see anything else to do this cabin most have been built on left here especially for us we know too that the Texans have all gone home thinking that the war is over well we know different maybe we can do more good here than anywhere else what do you say boys do we stay we stay replied all together they went to work at once fitting up their house more firewood was brought in fortunately the men have been provided with hatchets in the frontier style which the rescuers had not neglected to bring away and they fixed wooden hooks in the walls for their extra arms and clothing a half dozen scraped away a large area of the thin snow and enabled the horses to find grass a fine spring 200 yards away furnished a supply of water after the horses they had eaten Obed the ring-tailed panther and Ned rode away in search of game leaving Mr. Roylston in command at the cabin the snow was no longer falling and that which lay on the ground was melting rapidly I know this country said the panther and it got four chances for game it may be buffalo it may be deer it may be antelope and it may be wild turkeys I think I'm most lively that we'll find buffalo they're so fur west of the main settlements that we're there up to hang around here in the winter in the creek bottoms and if it snows we'll just take to the timber for shelter and it has snowed said Ned just so and that being the case we'll search the timber of course big herds couldn't crowd in the arm but this is in the part of the country we generally find the buffalo scattered in little vans they found patches of forest and character and looked diligently for the great game once a deer sprang out of a thicket but sped away so fast that they did not get a chance for a shot at length Obed saw large footprints in the thinning snow and called the panther's attention to them the big man examined the traces critically not many hours old he said I'm thinking that we'll have buffalo stayed for supper we'll scout all along this timber but we want as a young cow their meat is not tough they rode through the timber for about two hours when Ned caught sight of moving figures on the far side of a thicket he could just see the backs of large animals and he knew that they were their buffalo he pointed them out to the panther who nodded we'll ride around the thicket as gently as possible he said and then open fire remember we want to tender young cow two of them if we can get them and don't fool with the bulls Ned's heart throbbed as old Jack bore him around the thicket he had fought with men but he was not yet a buffalo hunter just as they turned the flank of the bush as a huge buffalo bull catching their odor raced his head and uttered a snort the panther promptly fired at a young cow just beyond him the big bull either frightened or angry leaped head down at old Jack the horse was without experience with buffaloes but he knew that those sharp horns meant no good to him and he sprang aside with so much agility that Ned was almost unseated the big bull rushed on Ned who had retained his hold upon his rifle was tempted to take a shot at him for revenge remembering the panther's injunction led to an impulse and fired at a young cow when the noise and confusion were over and the surviving buffaloes had lumbered away they found that they had slain two of the young cows and that they had an ample supply of meat Ned? said the panther you know how to go back to the cabin don't you I can go straight as an arrow and ride your own horse lead the other two and bring two men we'll need them with the work here the panther and obud were already at work skinning the cows Ned sprang upon old Jack and rode away at a trot leading the other two horses the snow was gone now and the breeze was almost balmy Ned felt that great rebound of the experience of which the young are so capable they had outwitted Aurea they had taken his prisoners from him and then they had escaped across the Rio Grande they had found shelter and now they had obtained a food supply they were all good comrades together what more was to be asked he whistled as he rode along but when he was halfway back to the cabin he noticed something in a large tree that caused him to stop he saw the outlines of great bronze birds and he knew that they were wild turkeys wild turkeys would made a fine addition to their larder and halting old Jack he shot from his back taking careful aim at the largest of the turkeys the huge bird fell and as the other slew away Ned was lucky enough to bring down a second with a pistol shot his trophies were indeed worth taking and tying their legs together with a wife he hung them across his saddle bow he calculated that the two together weighed nearly 60 pounds and he rode triumphantly when he came inside of the cabin we saw him first and gave a shout that drew the other men well luck hailed young Alan not much we played Ned but I did get these sparrows he lifted the two great turkeys from his saddle and tossed them to Will the boy caught them but he was born to his knees by their weight the men looked at them in uttered approving words what would you do with panther and oban the last I saw of them they had dismounted and were being chased over the plane by two big bull buffaloes were not then more than a foot from the seats of the trousers so I caught their horses and I have brought them back to camp I'll take it said Fields if I had good luck we've had the finest of luck replied Ned we ran into a group of 15 or 20 buffaloes and we brought down two fine young cows I came back for two more men to help with them and on my way I shot these turkeys Fields and another man named Carter returned with Ned young Alan was extremely anxious to go but the others were chosen on account of their experience with the work they found that Obed and the panther had already done most of it and when it was all finished Fields and Carter started back with their three horses heavily laden as the night promised to be mild and the snow was gone Ned Obed and the panther remained in the grove with the rest of their food supply they also wished to preserve the two buffalo robes and they staked them out upon the ground scraping them clean of flesh with their knives then they lighted a fire and cooked as much of the tender meat as they wished by this time it was dark and they were quite ready to rest they put out the fire and raked up the beds of leaves on which they would spread their blankets but first they enjoy the relaxation of the nerves and the easy talk that comes after a day's work well done it certainly has been a fine day for us said Obed sometimes I like to go through the bad days because it makes the good days that follow all the better yesterday we were wandering around in the snow and we had nothing today we have a magnificent city home that is to say the cabin and a beautiful country place that is to say this grove I can add to that our nights in our country place are spent in the accompaniment of music listen to that beautiful song won't you along winding howl rose sank and died after an interval they heard the exact duplicate in the panther remarked tersley wolves mighty hungry too they smelled our buffalo meat and they wanted guests from their big voices that their timber wolves and not coyotes Ned knew that the timber wolf was a much larger and fiercerer animal than his prairie brother and he did not altogether like this winding sound which rose and died for the third time must be a dozen or so said the panther noticing the increasing volume of sound will light the fire again nothing is smarter than a wolf and I don't want one of those hulking roots to slip up sees a fine piece of buffalo and dash away with it but fire will hold them how a wolf does dread it the little red flame is like a knife in his heart they lighted four small fires making a rude ring which enclose their leafy beds in the buffalo skins and meat before they finished the task they saw slim dusky figures among the trees and red eyes glaring at them the panther picked up a stick blazing like a torch and made a sudden rush at one of the figures there's a howl of terror and a sound of something rushing madly through the bushes the panther flung his torch as far as he could in the direction of the sound's return laughing deep in his throat I think I came pretty near in the master wolf of that he said and I guess he's good and scared they'll come back after a while and don't you forget it for that reason I think we'd better keep a watch we'll divide it into three hours apiece and we'll give you the first Ned. Ned was glad to have the opening watch as it would soon be over and done with and then he could sleep free from care about any watch to come the panther and Obed rolled on their blankets found sleep almost instantly and the boy resolved not to be a careless sentinel walked in a circle just outside the fires sure enough just as the panther had predicted he saw the red eyes and dusky forms again now and then he heard a faint pad among the bushes and he knew that a wolf had made it he merely changed from the outside to the inside of the firing and continued his walk with the fire about him and his friends so near who's not afraid of wolves no matter how big and numerous they might be yet their presence in the bushes the light shuffle of their feet in their fiery eyes had an uncanny effect it was unpleasant to know that such fierce beasts were so near and he gave himself a reassuring glance as the sleeping forms of his partners by and by the red eyes melted away and he heard another soft tread but heavier than that of the wolves with his rifle lying in the hollow of his arm his finger on the trigger he looked cautiously about the circle of the forest Ned's gaze at last met a pair of red eyes a little further apart than those of the wolves he knew then that they belonged to a larger animal and presently he caught a glimpse of the figure he was sure that it was a puma or cougar and so far as he could judge it was a big brute it too must be very hungry or not dared to fire in the human odor Ned felt tentatively of his rifle but changed his mind and remember the panther's exploit with a firebrand he decided to imitate it but on a much larger scale he laid down his rifle but kept his left hand on the butt of his pistol in his belt then selecting the largest torch from the fire he made a rush straight for the blazing eyes thrusting the flaming stick before him there's a frightened roar and then the sound of a heavy body crashing away through the undergrowth Ned returned satisfied that he had done as well the panther and better both the panther were awake and sitting up they looked curiously at Ned who still carried the flaming brand in his hand I'm always like the sound of thunder away off waking me up said the panther now what have you been up to young me said that lightly oh nothing important I wanted to make some investigations in natural history out there in the bushes and as I needed a light for the poepers I took it and if I'm not present too much said the panther in mock humility may I make so bold as to ask our young Solomon what is natural history natural history is the study of animals I saw a panther in the bushes and I went out there to examine him I saw that he was a big fellow but he ran away so fast I could tell no more about him he scared him away with the torch instead of shooting said Obed it was well done but it took his stout heart he comes again tell him I won't wake up until it's time for my watch he was asleep again inside of a minute and the panther followed him quickly both men trusted Ned fully treating him now as an experienced and skilled frontiersman he knew it and he felt proud and encouraged the panther did not come back but the wolves did although Ned now paid no attention to them he was growing used to their company and the uncanny feeling departed he merely replenished the fires and sat patiently until it was time for Obed to succeed him then he too wrapped himself in his blankets and slept a dreamless sleep until day the remainder of the buffalo meat was taken away the next day but anticipating a long stay at the cabin they continued to hunt both on horseback and on foot two more buffalo cows fell to their rifles they also secured a deer reandl open a dozen wild turkeys their hunting spread over two days but when they were all assembled on the third night at the cabin general satisfaction prevailed they had ranged over considerable country and as the game was plentiful and not afraid the panther drew the logical conclusion that man had been scarce in that region I take it he said that the Mexicans are a good distance east and the life in the command she's are another good distance west just the same boys who got to keep a close watch I think we've got more to fear from raiding parties of the Indians and from the Mexicans all the Mexicans are likely to be riding to some point in the Rio Grande to meet the forces of Santa Ana I wish we had more horses said Obed we'd go that way ourselves and see what's up well maybe we'll get him said the panther there's a lot of horses on these planes some of which out to belong to us and we may find a way of claiming our rights they passed a number of pleasant days of the cabin and in hunting and foraging in the vicinity they killed more big game in the dress skins of buffalo bear and deer were spread on the floor or hung on the walls while turkeys were numerous and they had them for food every day but they discovered no signs of man white or red they would have been content to wait there had they not been so anxious to investigate the reported advance of Santa Ana on the Rio Grande Royalson was the most patient of them all or at least he said the least I think he said about the fourth day that it does not hurt to linger here the Mexican power has not yet gathered in form as for me personally it suits me admirably I can walk a full 200 yards now and next week I shall be able to walk a mile when we are ready to depart which way you had to go Mr. Royalson as Ned I wish to go around the settlements and then to New Orleans replied Royalson that city is my headquarters but I also have establishments elsewhere even as far as New York are you sure Ned that you cannot go with me and bring a friend Alan too I could make many of you both in a vast commercial world there have been great opportunities and greater are coming the development of this mighty southwest will call for large and bold schemes of organization it is not money alone that I offer but the risk the hopes and rewards of great game in fact the opening of a new world the civilization for such this southwest is it appeals to some deeper feeling than that which can be aroused by the mere making of money Ned deeply interested watched him intently as he spoke he saw Royalson show emotion for the first time and in the mind of the boy responded to that of the man he could understand this dream the image of a great Texan Republic was already in the minds of men it possessed that of Ned he did not believe that the Texans and Mexicans could ever get along together he was quite sure that the Texans could never return to its original position as part of a Mexican state you can do much for Texas there with me in New Orleans said Royalson as if you were making a final appeal to one whom he looked upon as almost a son perhaps you could do more than you can here in Texas Ned shook his head a little sadly he did not like to disappoint this man but he could not leave the field young Alan also said that he would remain be it so said Royalson it is young blood never there was a truer saying then young men for war old men for counsel but the time may come when you will need me and when it does come send the word Ned judged from Royalson's manner that dark days were ahead but the merchant did not mention the subject again at the end of a week when they were amply supplied with everything except horses the panther decided to take Ned and Obed and go on a scout toward the Rio Grande they started early in the morning and the horses which had obtained plenty of grass were full of life and vigor they soon left the narrow belt of forest far behind them maintaining an almost direct course toward the southeast the point on the river that they intended were 80 miles away and they did not expect to cover the distance in less than two days they rode all that day and did not see a trace of a human being but they did see both buffalo antelope in the distance it shows what the war has done said the panther I rode over these same prayers about a year ago the game was scarce but there were some men now the men are all gone and the games come back curious how quick buffalo and deer and antelope learn about these things they slept the night through on the open prayer keeping watch by turns the weather was cold but they had their good blankets with them and they took no discomfort they rode forward again early in the morning and about noon struck an old but broad trail it was evident that many men and many wagons had passed here there were deep ruts in the earth cut by wheels and the traces of footsteps showed over a belt a quarter of a mile wide well man I suppose you can make pretty good guess what those means said the panther this was made weeks and weeks ago replied Ned confidently and the men who made it were Mexicans they were soldiers the army of coast that we took at San Antonio and which we were allowed to retire on parole into Mexico there's no doubt you're right said the panther there's no other force in this part of those world big enough to make such a wide and lasting trail and I think it's our business to follow these tracks what you say open it's just the one thing in the world we're here to do said the main man broad is the path and straight is the way that leads before us and we follow on do we follow them down into Mexico? said Ned I don't think it's likely that we'll have to do it replied the panther glancing at Obed Ned caught the look and understand do you mean? he asked that coast after taking his parole and pledging his word that he and his troops would not fight against this would stop at the Rio Grande I mean that and nothing else replied the panther I ain't talking again Mexicans in general I've met some good men among them but I wouldn't take my word on any of that crowd of generals Santa Ana Kos, Cisma, Perea, Iona, Castriron the Italian Feliciola and or any of them there is one I trust said Ned with grateful memory and that's Almonte I have heard that he's of different stuff said the panther but it's best to keep out of their hands there are now writings swiftly almost due southward having changed their course to follow the trail and they kept a sharp watch ahead for Mexican scouts or skirmishers but the bear country in its winter brown was lone and desolate the trail led straight ahead and it would have been obvious now to the most inexperienced eye that an army had passed that way they saw remains of campfires now and then the skeleton of a horse or mule picked clean by buzzards fragments of worn out clothing that have been thrown inside and once the broken down wagon two or three times they saw little mounds of earth and of the rude rodent crosses stuck upon them to mark where some of the wounded had died and had been buried they came at last to a bit of woodland growing about a spring that seemed to gush straight up from the earth it was really an open grove with no underbrush and a splendid place for camp it was evident that coast's force had put it to full use as the earth nearly everywhere had been trodden by hundreds of feet and the charred pieces of wood were numerable the panther made a long and critical examination of everything I'm thinking he said that coast stayed here for three or four days all the signs point that way he was bound by the terms that we gave him at San Antonio to go and not fight again but he's surely taking his time about it look at these bones William now Ned, you prominent scout and skirmisher tell me what they are buffalo bones replied Ned promptly right you are replied the panther and when coast left San Antonio he wasn't taking any buffaloes along with him to kill for me they stayed here so long with the hundreds at time to go out and shoot game a long lane is the thief of time said Obed and having a big march before him coast is concluded to walk instead of run because he was expecting something that would stop him said the panther angrily I hate liars and traitors well soon we'll see their curiosity became so great that they rode at a swift strut on the great south trail and not ten miles further they came upon the unmistakable evidences of another big camp that had lasted long slower and slower muttered the panther they must have met a messenger wow it's time for us to go slow now too but he said aloud boys it ain't more than twenty miles now to the Rio Grande and we can hit it by dark we better be mighty careful as we now as we go on I suppose it's because the mexican scouts and skirmishers may be watching said Ned yes and especially that fellow orrea his uncle being one of Santa Ana's late generals he's likely to have freer reign and as we know he's clever and active I hate to fall into his hands again they rode more slowly and three pairs of eyes continually searched the plane for an enemy Ned's sight was uncommonly acute and Obed and the panther frequently appealed to him to his resort it flattered his pride and he strove to justify it their pace became slower and slower and presently the early twilight of winter was coming a cold wind moaned the desolate plain was broken here and there by clumps of trees at the suggestion of the panther they rode into one of these and halted undercover at the timber the river can't be much more than a mile ahead said the panther and we might run into the mexicans any minute we're sheltered here and we'd better wait a while and I think we can do more stocking Obed and Ned were not at all averse and dismounting they stretched themselves easing their muscles old Jack hunted grass and finding none rubbed Ned's elbow with his nose suggestively never mind old boy said Ned patting the glossy muscle of his faithful comrade this is no time for feasting and banqueting we're hunting mexicans you and I and after that business is over we may consider our pleasures they remained several hours among the trees they saw the last right below that