at any moment. We'll ride straight for the cabin an' the boys."




CHAPTER VI

FOR FREEDOM'S SAKE


Evidently the horses had found considerable grass through the night, as
they were fresh and strong, and the miles fell fast behind them. At the
gait at which they were going they would reach the cabin that night.
Meanwhile they made plans. The little force would divide and messengers
would go to San Antonio, Harrisburg and other points, with the news that
Santa Anna was advancing with an immense force.

And every one of the three knew that the need was great. They knew how
divided counsels had scattered the little Texan army. At San Antonio,
the most important point of all, the town that they had triumphantly
taken from a much greater force of Mexicans, there were practically no
men, and that undoubtedly was Santa Anna's destination. Unconsciously
they began to urge their horses to great and yet greater speed, until
the Panther recalled them to prudence.

"Slower, boys! slower!" he said. "We mustn't run our horses out at the
start."

"And there's a second reason for pulling down," said Ned, "since there's
somebody else on the plain."