"Mexicans are uncertain even when they are on your side.

But he's a big strong fellow, an' he'd be handy in the fight for which we're lookin'." But he kept Ned's sympathy.
"He must save his people," said the boy.
Obed and Potter said nothing.

At twilight they found the other men waiting for them in a thicket of mesquite, and the total, including the four, was only forty.

But with Texan daring and courage they made straight for Goliad, and Ned did not doubt that they would have a fight.
Life was now moving fast for him, and it was crowded with incident.
The troop in loose formation rode swiftly, but the hoofs of their horses made little sound on the prairie.

The southern moon rode low, and the night was clear.