Long habit had made anything else tiresome to him beyond endurance, but he was by nature generous and kindly.

Like Obed he had formed a strong attachment for Ned who appealed to him as a high-souled and generous youth.
They made their way very cautiously toward the town, passing by abandoned houses and crossing fields, overgrown with weeds.

Both the Ring Tailed Panther and Urrea knew San Antonio well, and Obed had been there once.

They were of the opinion that the town with its narrow streets, stone and adobe houses was adapted particularly to defense, but it was of the greatest importance to know just where the new outworks were placed.
The four came within sight of Mexican lights about nine o'clock.

The town was in the midst of gently rolling prairies and as nearly as they could judge these lights--evidently those of camp fires--were about a quarter of a mile from San Antonio.