“The same is true of me,” said Ned, who had now eaten about all he wanted, “but before I roll up in the blankets I want to say something to you men.”

His voice had suddenly become one of great gravity, and, despite his youth, it impressed them.  The darkness had now come, but the fire made a center of light.  They had put themselves in easy attitudes about it, while the horses grazed just beyond them.

“I come from Texas myself,” said Ned, “although I was born in Missouri.  My parents are dead, and I thought I could make my way in Texas.  I met Mr. Austin who is related to me, and he was good to me more than once.  When he went to Mexico to talk with the rulers there about our troubles I went with him.  I was a prisoner with him in the City of Mexico, and I often saw the dictator, Santa Anna, and his brother-in-law, General Cos.”

Ned paused and a deep “Ah!” came from the men.  They felt from his face and manner that he was telling no idle tale.

“They said many fine words to Mr. Austin,” said Ned, “and always they promised that they were going to do great things for Texas.  But much time passed and they did nothing.  Also they kept Mr. Austin a prisoner.  Then I escaped.  I believed that they were preparing to attack Texas.  I was right.  I was recaptured and both President Santa Anna and General Cos told me so.  They told me because they did not believe I could escape again, as they sent me to one of the submarine dungeons under the castle of San Juan de Ulua.  But even under the sea I found a friend, Obed here, and we escaped together.  We have since seen the army of General Cos, and it is marching straight upon Texas.  Santa Anna means to crush us and to execute all our leaders.”

Again came that deep murmurous “Ah!” and now it was full of anger and defiance.

“You say you saw the army of Cos?” asked Bowie.

“Yes,” replied Ned, “I saw it before I was taken to the castle of San Juan de Ulua and afterward in Northern Mexico, marching straight toward Texas.  It is a large force, cannon and lancers, horse and foot.”

“And so Santa Anna has been lulling us with promises, while sending an army to destroy us.”

Bowie’s tone, so gentle and mild before, grew hard and bitter.  The firelight flickered across his face and to Ned the blue eyes looked as cold and relentless as death.  He had heard strange stories of this man, tales of desperate combats in Mississippi and Louisiana, and he believed now that they were true.  He could see the daring and determined soul behind the blue eyes.

While Ned was talking “Deaf” Smith was leaning forward with his hand behind his ear.  When the story was finished the dark face grew still darker, but he said nothing.  The others, too, were silent but Ned knew their minds.  It was a singular little company drawn from different American states, some from the far north, but all alike in their devotion to the vague region then known as Texas.