"I think it likely, however,
that they are merely withdrawing to a stronger position, but they can't
escape us. We'll follow 'em, and since they wanted that cannon so badly
we'll give 'em a taste of it."
The cannon, a six-pounder, had been brought over on the ferryboat in the
night and was now in the Texan camp.
"Ned," said Moore, "do you, Obed and the Panther ride after those
fellows and see what they do. Then come back and report."
It was a dangerous duty, but the three responded gladly. They advanced
cautiously through the fog and the Ring Tailed Panther roared softly.
"Runnin' away?" he said. "I'd be ashamed to come for a cannon an' then
to slink off with tail droopin' like a cowardly coyote. By the great
horn spoon, I hope they are merely seekin' a better position an' will
give us a fight. It would be a mean Mexican trick to run clean away."
"The Mexicans are not cowards," said Ned.
"Depends on how the notion strikes 'em," said the Panther. "Sometimes
they fight like all creation an' sometimes they hit it for the high
grass an' the tall timber. There's never any tellin' what they'll do."
"Hark!" said Obed, "don't you hear their tramp there to our left?"
The three stopped and listened, and they detected sounds which they knew
were made by the retreating force.
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