The Texans could see them plainly and the Mexicans showed the carelessness and love of pleasure natural to children of the sun.

Some lay down on the grass and three or four began to strum mandolins and guitars.
There was a sterner manner on the Texan side of the Guadalupe.

The watch at the fords was not relaxed, but Ned went back into the little town to carry the word to the women and children.

Most of the women, like the men, were dressed in deerskin and they, too, volunteered to fight if they were needed.

Ned told them what Castenada had asked, and he also told them the reply which was received with grim satisfaction.