“I’ve always felt a strong regard for your type of man, Colonel Crockett,” said he. “And I’ve always had a strong regard for your work and aims. And,” here he cast a swift glance in the direction of the boys, “I mean to prove that to you, right now.”
Walter nudged Ned with his elbow.
“I see it coming,” whispered Ned in return. “It’s something about us.”
Crockett, with the droll smile still upon his face, replied to Huntley:
“Well, I’m a sight obliged for your interest, sir.”
“It’s come to my ears,” said Huntley, “that you are going to Texas.”
“Well, that’s the plain truth,” replied Crockett. “But what is there against that?”
“Nothing,” answered the man, hastily. “That is, nothing against that in itself. But I understand, colonel, that you mean to accompany these two young men to San Antonio upon a certain mission——”
“Eh?” cried Colonel Crockett.
He looked in amazement at the speaker and then at the two boys.