The men awoke and rose slowly from the floor. They were somewhat stiff,
but no one had been overcome, and after a little stretching of the
muscles all the soreness disappeared. The horses were within the shed,
unharmed and warm, but hungry. They relighted the fire and broiled more
strips of the antelope, but they saw that little would be left. The
Panther turned to Roylston, who inspired respect in them all.

"Now, Mr. Roylston," he said, "we've got to agree upon some course of
action an' we've got to put it to ourselves squar'ly. I take it that all
of us want to serve Texas in one way or another, but we've got only
three horses, we're about out of food, an' we're a long distance from
the main Texas settlements. It ain't any use fur us to start to rippin'
an' t'arin' unless we've got somethin' to rip an' t'ar with."

"Good words," said Obed White. "A speech in time saves errors nine."

"I am glad you have put the question, Mr. Palmer," said Roylston. "Our
affairs have come to a crisis, and we must consider. I, too, wish to
help Texas, but I can help it more by other ways than battle."

It did not occur to any of them to doubt him. He had already established
over them the mental ascendency that comes from a great mind used to
dealing with great affairs.

"But we are practically dismounted," he continued. "It is winter and we
do not know what would happen to us if we undertook to roam over the
prairies as we are. On the other hand, we have an abundance of arms and
ammunition and a large and well-built cabin. I suggest that we supply
ourselves with food, and stay here until we can acquire suitable mounts.
We may also contrive to keep a watch upon any Mexican armies that may be