These are Obed White and Ned Fulton, General Houston." Houston's glance ran swiftly over them.

Evidently he liked both, as he smiled and gave each a hearty hand.
"And now for your story," he said.
Obed nodded toward Ned.
"He's the one who saw it all," he said, "and he's the one who brings the warning." Ned was a little abashed by the presence of Houston and the other important Texans, but he told the tale once more rapidly and succinctly.
Every one listened closely.

They were the chief members of the temporary Texan government, but the room in which they met was all of the frontier.

Its floor was of rough boards.

Its walls and ceilings were unplastered.