The work there was done, and they were riding for their own little villages or lone cabins, where they would find more work to do.
The Mexicans would soon fall on Texas like a cloud, and every one of them knew it.
Ned, Obed and the Ring Tailed Panther rode back to Gonzales, where the women and children welcomed the victors with joyous acclaim.
The three sat down with others to a great feast, spread on tables under the shade of oaks, and consisting chiefly of game, buffalo, deer, squirrels, rabbits and other animals which had helped the early Texans to live.

But throughout the dinner Ned and Obed were rather quiet, although the Ring Tailed Panther roared to his heart's content.

It was Ned who spoke first the thought that was in the minds of both Obed and himself.

Slowly and by an unconscious process he was becoming the leader.
"Obed," he said, "everybody can do as he pleases, and I propose that you and I and the Ring Tailed Panther scout toward San Antonio.

Cos and his army are marching toward that town, and while the Texan campaign of defense is being arranged and the leaders are being chosen we might give a lot of help." "Just what I was thinking," said Obed.
"Jest what I ought to have thought," said the Ring Tailed Panther.
San Antonio was a long journey to the westward, and they started at twilight fully equipped.