“I think we’ve seen enough,” said Obed.  “We’ll go back now to Colonel Moore and the men.”

They found their horses undisturbed and were about to gallop back to the main body with the news that the Mexicans were on the mound, when some Mexican sentinels saw them and uttered a shout.  The three exchanged shots with them but knowing that a strong force would be upon them in an instant returned to their original intention and went at full speed toward the camp.  It was lucky that the fog still held, as the pursuing bullets went wide, but Ned heard more than one sing.  The Mexicans showed courage and followed the three until they reached the Texan camp.  As Ned and his comrades dismounted they shouted that the Mexicans were on a hill not far away and were fortifying.

Moore promptly had his men run forward that bone of contention, the cannon, and a solid shot was sent humming toward those who had pursued the three.  The heavy report came back in sullen echoes from the prairie, and the stream of fire split the fog asunder.  But in a moment the mists and vapors closed in again, and the Mexicans were gone.  Then the little army stood for a few moments, motionless, but breathing heavily.  The cannon shot had made the hearts of everyone leap.  They were inured to Indian battle and every kind of danger, but this was a great war.

“Boys,” said Moore, “we are here and the enemy is before us.”

A deep shout from broad chests and powerful lungs came forth.  Then by a single impulse the little army rushed forward, led by Ned, Obed and the Ring Tailed Panther, who took them straight toward the mound.  As they ran, the great Texan sun proved triumphant.  It seemed to cleave the fog like a sword blade, and then the mists and vapors rolled away on either side, to right and to left of the Texans.  The whole plain, dewy and fresh, sprang up in the light of the morning.

They saw the steep mound crowned by the Mexicans, and men still at work on the hasty trench.  Again that full-throated cheer came from the Texans and they quickened their pace, but Captain Castenada came down from the mound and a soldier came with him bearing a white flag.

“Now, what in thunder can he want?” growled the Ring Tailed Panther to Ned and Obed.  “Shorely he ain’t goin’ to surrender.  He’s jest goin’ to waste our time in talk.”

Deep disgust showed on his face.

“By waiting we will see,” quoth Obed oracularly.  “Now, Panther, don’t you be too impatient.  Remember that the tortoise beat the hare in the great Greek horse race.”

Moore waved his hand and the Texans halted.  Castenada on foot came on.  Moore also dismounted, and, calling to Ned and Obed to accompany him, went forward to meet him.  Ned and Obed, delighted, sprang from their horses, and walked by his side.  The Ring Tailed Panther growled between his teeth that he was glad to stay, that he would have no truck with Mexicans.