"Reckon we'll soon have as many chances as we want to use it, an' more."
"Reckon you're Almighty right."
"An' we'll be there every time."
The two men reached over and shook hands deliberately. Houston by and by came out again, and saw them sitting there smoking, two images of patience and quiet.
"Boys," he said, "you're not taking much part in the proceedings."
"Not much, just yet, Colonel Sam," replied Smith, "but we're waitin'. I reckon that to-morrow you'll declare Texas free an' independent, a great an' good republic. An' as there ain't sixty of you to declare it, mebbe you'll need the help of some fellows like Hank an' me to make them resolutions come true."
"We will," said Houston, "and we know that we can rely upon you."
He was about to pass on, but he changed his mind and sat down with the men. Houston was a singular character. He had been governor of an important state, and he had lived as a savage among savages. He could adapt himself to any company.
"Boys," he said, "you know a merchant, John Roylston, who has headquarters in New Orleans, and also offices in St. Louis and Cincinnati?"
"We do," said Smith, "an' we've seen him, too, more than once. He's been in these parts not so long ago."