That winter was one of great severity in Northern Mexico and Southern Texas, noted also for its frequent Northers.

Although the time for the Texan spring was near at hand, there was little sign of it.

Not knowing what else to do they sought the shelter of timber again and remained there a while.
By and by they saw for the second time a red glow in the south, and they knew that it came from the camp fires of Santa Anna.

But it was now many miles north of the Rio Grande.

Santa Anna was advancing.
"He's pressin' forward fast," said the Panther, "an' his skirmishers are scourin' the plain ahead of him.