“It seems that we were,” said Ned.

Urrea laughed somewhat scornfully.

“There are some Mexicans born here in Texas who are so foolish,” he said, “but they do not know Mexico.  They do not know the greatness of our nation, or the greatness of Santa Anna.  What are your paltry numbers against us?  You will fail here against San Antonio, and, even if you should take the town, Santa Anna will come with a great army and destroy you.  And then, remember that there is a price to be paid.  Much rope will be used to good purpose in Texas.”

“You have eaten our bread, you have received kindness from us, and yet you talk of executions.”

“I ate your bread, because it was my business to do so.  I am not ashamed of anything that I have done.  I do not exaggerate, when I say that I have rendered my nation great service against the Texan rebels.  It was I who brought them against you more than once.”

“I should not boast of it.  I should never pretend to belong to one side in war and work for another.”

“Again there is a difference between us.  Now, what do you purpose to do?  I am, as it were, your prisoner, and it is for you to make a beginning.”

Ned was embarrassed.  He was young and he could not enforce all the rigors of war.  He knew that if he took Urrea to the camp the man would be executed as a spy and traitor.  The Mexicans had already committed many outrages, and the Texans were in no forgiving mood.  Ned could not forget that this man had broken bread with his comrades and himself, and once he had liked him.  Even now his manner, which contained no fear nor cringing, appealed to him.

“Go,” he said at last, “I cannot take your life, nor can I carry you to those who would take it.  Doubtless I am doing wrong, but I do not know what else to do.”

“Do you mean that you let me go free?”

“I do.  You cannot be a spy among us again, and as an open enemy you are only as one among thousands.  Of course you came here to-night to spy upon us, and it was an odd chance that brought us together.  Take the direction of San Antonio, but don’t look back.  I warn you that I shall keep you covered with my rifle.”

Urrea turned without another word and walked away.  Ned watched him for a full hundred yards.  He noticed that the man’s figure was as trim and erect as ever.  Apparently, he was as wanting in remorse as he was in fear.

When Urrea had gone a hundred yards Ned turned and went swiftly back to the camp.  He said nothing about the incident either to Obed or the Ring Tailed Panther.  The next day Urrea was crowded from his mind by exciting news.  A sentinel had hailed at dawn three worn and unkempt Texans who had escaped from San Antonio, where they had long been held prisoners by Cos.  They brought word that the Mexican army was disheartened.  The heavy reinforcements, promised by Santa Anna, had not come.

A great clamor for an immediate attack arose.  The citizen army gathered in hundreds around the tent of Burleson, the leader, and demanded that they be led against San Antonio.  Fannin and Milam were there, and they seconded the demands of the men.  Ned stood on the outskirts of the crowd.  The Ring Tailed Panther on one side of him uttering a succession of growls, but Obed on the other was silent.