“You are young, my boy, to live among such dangers.  Why do you not go north into the states where life is safe?”

“There are others as young as I, or younger, who have fought or will fight for Texas,” said Ned.  “I belong here and I’ve got powerful friends.  Two of them have saved my life more than once and are likely to do so again.”

He nodded toward Obed and the Panther, who were too far away to hear.  Roylston smiled.  The two men were in singular contrast, but each was striking in his way.  Obed, of great height and very thin, but exceedingly strong, was like a steel lath.  The Panther, huge in every aspect, reminded one, in his size and strength, of a buffalo bull.

“They are uncommon men, no doubt,” said Roylston.  “And you expect to remain with them?”

“I’d never leave them while this war lasts!  Not under any circumstances!”

Ned spoke with great energy, and again Roylston smiled, but he said no more.

“It’s time to start,” said the Panther.

Roylston again mounted one of the horses.  Ned saw that it hurt his pride to have to ride, but he saw also that he would not complain when complaints availed nothing.  He felt an increasing interest in a man who seemed to have perfect command over himself.

The boy, Will Allen, was fresh and strong again.  His youthful frame had recovered completely from all hardships, and now that he was free, armed, and in the company of true friends his face glowed with pleasure and enthusiasm.  He was tall and strong, and now he carried a good rifle with a pistol also in his belt.  He and Ned walked side by side, and each rejoiced in the companionship of one of his own age.

“How long have you been with them?” asked Will, looking at Obed and the Panther.

“I was first with Obed away down in Mexico.  We were prisoners together in the submarine dungeon of San Juan de Ulua.  I’d never have escaped without him.  And I’d never have escaped a lot more things without him, either.  Then we met the Panther.  He’s the greatest frontiersman in all the southwest, and we three somehow have become hooked together.”

Will looked at Ned a little enviously.

“What comrades you three must be!” he said.  “I have nobody.”

“Are you going to fight for Texas?”

“I count on doing so.”

“Then why don’t you join us, and we three will turn into four?”

Will looked at Ned, and his eyes glistened.

“Do you mean that?” he asked.

“Do I mean it?  I think I do.  Ho, there, Panther!  You and Obed, just a minute or two!”

The two turned back.  Ned and Will were walking at the rear of the little company.

“I’ve asked Will to be one of us,” said Ned, “to join our band and to share our fortunes, good or bad.”

“Can he make all the signs, an’ has he rid the goat?” asked the Panther solemnly.

“Does he hereby swear never to tell any secret of ours to Mexican or Indian?” asked Obed.  “Does he swear to obey all our laws and by-laws wherever he may be, and whenever he is put to the test?”