All the houses were built of logs or rough boards, and Ned and his companions dismounted before the largest.

They had already learned that Sam Houston was inside.

Ned felt intense curiosity as they approached.

He knew the history of Houston, his singular and picturesque career, and the great esteem in which he was held by the Texans.

A man with a rifle on his shoulder stood by the door as guard, but he recognized Smith and Karnes, and held the door open for the four, who went inside without a word.
Several men, talking earnestly were sitting in cane-bottomed chairs, and Ned, although he had never seen him before, knew at once which was Houston.