The three sat down with others to a great feast, spread on tables under
the shade of oaks, and consisting chiefly of game, buffalo, deer,
squirrels, rabbits and other animals which had helped the early Texans
to live. But throughout the dinner Ned and Obed were rather quiet,
although the Ring Tailed Panther roared to his heart's content. It was
Ned who spoke first the thought that was in the minds of both Obed and
himself. Slowly and by an unconscious process he was becoming the
leader.
"Obed," he said, "everybody can do as he pleases, and I propose that you
and I and the Ring Tailed Panther scout toward San Antonio. Cos and his
army are marching toward that town, and while the Texan campaign of
defense is being arranged and the leaders are being chosen we might give
a lot of help."
"Just what I was thinking," said Obed.
"Jest what I ought to have thought," said the Ring Tailed Panther.
San Antonio was a long journey to the westward, and they started at
twilight fully equipped. They carried their usual arms, two blankets
apiece, light but warm, food for several days, and double supplies of
ammunition, the thing that they would now need most. Gonzales gave them
a farewell full of good wishes. Some of the women exclaimed upon Ned's
youth, but Obed explained that the boy had lived through hardships and
dangers that would have overcome many a veteran pioneer of Texas.
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