Presently all the soldiers rode out, with Castenada at their head.
"They're comin' to our ford! By the great horn spoon, they are comin'!" roared the Ring Tailed Panther.
It seemed that he was right as the Mexicans were approaching at a gallop, making a gallant show, their lances glittering in the sun.
"Lay down, all!" said the Ring Tailed Panther.

"The moment they strike the water turn loose with your rifles an' roar an' scratch an' claw!" But when they were within one hundred yards of the Guadalupe the Mexicans suddenly sheered off.

Evidently they did not like the looks of the Texan rifles which they could plainly see.

The defenders of the fords uttered a derisive shout, and some of the Mexicans fired.

But their bullets fell short, only a single one of them coming as far as the edge of the Guadalupe.