They did not trouble to look for the army of Cos, as they knew that it was coming and it was their object to spread the alarm as soon as possible through all the Texas settlements.

Ned, refreshed and strong, was in the center of the troop and he rode with a light heart.

Obed was on one side of him, and "Deaf" Smith on the other.
"To-night," said Smith, "we water our horses in the Rio Grande." "And then ho for Texas!" said Obed.
On they sped, their even pace unbroken until noon, when they made a short rest for food and water.

Then they sped north once more, Bowie, Smith and Karnes leading the way.

They said very little now, but every one in the group was thinking of the scattered Texans, of the women and children in the little cabins beyond the Rio Grande, harried already by Comanches and Lipans and now threatened by a great Mexican force.