three was frank, free and open.

"I saw you from afar," he said in excellent English. "I climbed the
cottonwood there in order to see what might be passing on the prairie,
and as my eyes happen to be very good I detected three black dots in the
moonlight, coming out of the east. As I saw the men of Santa Anna going
west as fast as hoofs would carry them I knew that only Texans could be
riding out of the east."

He laughed, threw his torch on the ground and stamped out the light.

"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."

He laughed again, and his laugh was so infectious that the three laughed
with him.

"I know most people in Texas," rumbled the Ring Tailed Panther, "though
there are some Mexican families I don't know. But I've heard of the
Urreas, an' if you want to go with us an' join in tearin' an' chawin'
we'll be glad to have you."

"So we will," said Ned and Obed together, and Obed added: "Three are
company, four are better."

"Very well, then," said Urrea, "I shall be happy to become one of your
band, and we will ride on together. I've no doubt that I can be of help
if you mean to keep a watch on Cos. My horse is tied here in