There are to be ninety of us, including you three, 'Deaf' Smith and Henry Karnes, and we are to retire if the Mexicans undertake an attack upon us, that is, if we have time--you understand, if we have time." Ned saw Bowie's big eyes glitter, and he understood.

The party, the envy of all the others, rode out of the camp in the absence of Urrea.

Bowie had not asked him, as he did not seem to fancy the young Mexican, but Ned put it down to racial prejudice.

Urrea had not been visible when they started, but Ned thought chagrin at being ignored was the cause of it.

Fannin also went along, associated with Bowie in the leadership, but Bowie was the animating spirit.