"It was not because I valued it so much, but my pride would not permit me to give way to such crude methods.

I must say, however, that you three came just in time, and you have done a most marvelous piece of work." Ned shuddered and walked a little space out on the plain to steady his nerves.

He had never deceived himself about the dangers that the Texans were facing, but it seemed that they would have to fight every kind of ferocity.

When he returned, Obed and the Panther were building the fire higher.
"We must get everybody good and dry," said the Panther.

"Pursuit will come, but not to-night, an' we needn't worry about the blaze.