. I suppose this means,
of course, that we must try to meet Santa Anna in some way. What do you
think we can do, Ned?"

"I don't know, but just at present I'm going to sleep. The Panther, Davy
Crockett and Obed will debate the plans."

Ned, who was becoming inured to war and danger, was soon asleep, but
Will could not close his eyes. He had borne a gallant part in the
defense, and the sounds of rifle shots and Indian yells still resounded
in his excited ear. He remained awake long after he heard the heavy
breathing of the men about him, but exhausted nerves gave way at last
and he, too, slept.

The next morning their news was debated gravely by all. There was not
one among them who did not understand its significance, but it was hard
to agree upon a policy. Davy Crockett, who had just come, and who was
practically a stranger to Texas, gave his opinions with hesitation.

"It's better for you, Mr. Panther, an' you, Mr. White, to make the
motions," he said, "an' I an' my Tennesseans will endorse them. But it
seems, boys, that if we came for a fight it is offered to us the moment
we get here."

"Yes," said the twelve Tennesseans all together.

"I shall be compelled to leave you," said Roylston. "Pray, don't think
it's because I'm afraid to fight the Mexicans. But, as I told you
before, I can do far greater good for the Texan cause elsewhere. As I am
now as well as ever, and I am able to take care of myself, I think I
shall leave at once."

"I've known you only a few hours, Mr. Roylston," said Crockett, "but
I've knocked around a hard world long enough to know a man when I see
him. If you say you ought, you ought to go."

"That's so," said the Panther. "We've seen Mr. Roylston tried more than
once, and nobody doubts his courage."

A good horse, saddled and bridled, and arms and ammunition, were given
to Roylston. Then he bade them farewell. When he was about twenty yards
away he beckoned to Ned. When the boy stood at his saddle bow he said
very earnestly:

"If you fall again into the hands of Santa Anna, and are in danger of
your life, use my name with him. It is perhaps a more potent weapon than
you think. Do not forget."

"I will not," said Ned, "and I thank you very much, Mr. Roylston. But I
hope that no such occasion will arise."

"So do I," said Roylston with emphasis. Then he rode away, a square,
strong figure, and never looked back.

"What was he saying, Ned?" asked Will, when the boy returned.

"Me