"I felt that sooner or later someone would come upon Castenada's track,"
he said, "and you see that I was not wrong."
He smiled again. Ned's impression was distinctly favorable, and when he
glanced at Obed and the Ring Tailed Panther he saw that they, too, were
attracted.
"Who are you, stranger?" asked Palmer. "People who meet by night in
Texas in these times had best know the names and business of one
another."
"Not a doubt of it," replied the young Mexican. "My name is Francisco
Urrea, and I was born on the Guadalupe. So, you see, I am a Texan,
perhaps more truly a Texan than any of you, because I know by looking at
you that all three of you were born in the States. As for my business?"
He grew very serious and looked at the three one after another.
"My business," he said, "is to fight for Texas."
"Well spoke, by the great horn spoon," roared the Ring Tailed Panther.
"Yes, to fight for Texas," resumed young Urrea. "I was on my way to
Gonzales to join you. I was too late for the fight, but I saw the men of
Castenada, with Castenada himself at their head, flying across the
prairie. I assure you there was no delay on their part. First they were
here and then they were gone. The prairie rumbled with their hasty
tread, their lances glittered for only a single instant, and then they
were lost over the horizon.
Pages:
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333