The others followed and
did likewise. Ned quivered with excitement. He knew that the danger was
great. He knew also that if they lay close and waited they were likely
to hear what was worth hearing.
The boy was in a dense mat of shrubbery. To his right was Obed and to
his left were the Ring Tailed Panther and Urrea. He saw that the patio
was faced on three sides by piazzas or porticos, from which wide doors
opened into the house. He heard the music now as clearly as if it were
at his side. It was the music of a full band, and it was played with a
mellow, gliding rhythm. He saw, also, officers in brilliant uniform and
handsome women, as in the dance they passed and repassed the open doors.
It was Spanish, Mexican to the core, full of the South, full of warmth
and color. The lean, brown Texans crouching in the shrubbery furnished a
striking contrast.
While they waited, several officers and ladies came out on the piazzas,
ate ices and drank sweet drinks. They were so near that the four easily
heard all they said. It was mostly idle chatter, high-pitched
compliments, allusions to people in the distant City of Mexico, and now
and then a jest at the expense of the Texans. Ned realized that many of
the younger Mexicans did not take the siege of San Antonio seriously.
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