Roylston was much better that morning and he was able to stand, leaning against a tree.
"May I ask the result of your conference," he said.
"There ain't no secret about it," replied the Panther, "but them Mexicans seem to be almighty fond of you, Mr.Roylston." "In what way did they show it ?" "Urrea said that all of us could go if we would give up you." "And your answer ?" The Panther leaned forward a little on his horse.
"You know something about the Texans, don't you, Mr.Roylston ?" "I have had much opportunity to observe and study them." "Well, they've got plenty of faults, but you haven't heard of them buyin' their lives at the price of a comrade's, have you ?" "I have not, but I wish to say, Mr.Palmer, that I'm sorry you returned this answer.

I should gladly take my chances if the rest of you could go." "We'd never think of it," said the Panther.

"Besides, them Mexicans wouldn't keep their word.

They're goin' to besiege us here, hopin' maybe that starvation or thirst will make us give you up.

Now the first thing for us to do is to get water for the horses." This presented a problem, as the horses could not go down to the creek, owing to the steep high banks, but the Texans soon solved it.