"I move that John Moore be made the Chairman of this here meetin' an'
the leader in whatever it decides to do, 'specially as we know already
what it's goin' to decide," roared the Ring Tailed Panther, "an'
wherever he leads we will follow."
Ned said nothing, but his pulses were leaping. Perhaps the silent boy
appreciated more than any other present that this was the beginning of
a great epic in the American story. The young student, his head filled
with completed dramas of the past, could look further into the future
than the veteran men of action around him.
The debate was short. In truth it was no debate at all, because all were
of one mind. Since the Mexicans had already fired upon them and would
not go away they would cross the river and attack Castenada. As Obed had
predicted, Moore was unanimously chosen leader, the title of Colonel
being bestowed upon him, and they set to work at once for the attack.
Ned and Obed walked together to the cluster of oaks in which the two had
spent so much time. Both were grave, appreciating fully the fact that
they were about to go into battle.
"Ned," said Obed, "you and I have been through a lot of dangers together
and we're not afraid to talk about dangers to come.
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