, for a while, was very cold, but the powder was
precious, and after a while the sun came out, drying and warming them
again. They were compelled to swim two narrow but deep rivers, a most
difficult task, as they had arms, ammunition and food to carry with
them.

They noticed stretches of forest again, and passed both scattered houses
and villages. Their knowledge of Spanish and their rifles were their
protection. But in some places the people seemed to care nothing either
about Santa Anna or those who might oppose him. They were content to
lead lives in a region which furnished food almost of its own accord.
Just before approaching one of these villages Ned shot another jaguar.
It was not black like the first, nor so large. It was about five feet in
length, and yellowish in color, with a splendid skin, which, at Obed's
suggestion, they removed for purposes of barter. It was a wise idea, as
they traded it in the village for two large water bottles. The people
there were so indifferent to their identity that they sat in the plaza
in the evening, and watched the young people dance the fandango.

It was only a crude little village in the Mexican wilderness. The people
were more Indian than Mexican. There was not much melody in their music,
and not much rhythm in their dance, but they were human beings, enjoying
themselves after labor and without fear. Both Ned and Obed, sitting
outside the circle of light with their rifles across their knees, felt
it. The sense of human companionship, even of strangers, was very
pleasant. The music and the glowing faces appealed very strongly to the
boy. Silent, thoughtful, and compelled by circumstances to live a hard
life, he was nevertheless young with all the freshness of youth. Obed
saw, and he felt a deep sympathy for this lad who had wrapped himself
like a younger brother around his heart.

"Just you wait, Ned," he said, "until we reach our own people across the
Rio Grande. Then we'll have lots of friends and they'll be friends all
the stronger, because you will be the first to bring them news of the
treacherous attack that is to be made upon them."

"If we get there in time," said Ned, "and, Obed, I am beginning to
believe that we will get there in time."

They passed for hunters, and that night they slept in the village, where
they received kindness, and departed again the next morning on the long,
long journey that always led to the north.

CHAPTER X

CACTUS AND MEX