what you are tryin' to do to us we may first do to you. An' with that I reckon we'll bid you good day, Mr. Urrea."
Urrea bowed, but said nothing. He rode back toward his men, and Ned and the Panther returned to the grove. Roylston was much better that morning and he was able to stand, leaning against a tree.
"May I ask the result of your conference," he said.
"There ain't no secret about it," replied the Panther, "but them Mexicans seem to be almighty fond of you, Mr. Roylston."
"In what way did they show it?"
"Urrea said that all of us could go if we would give up you."
"And your answer?"
The Panther leaned forward a little on his horse.
"You know something about the Texans, don't you, Mr. Roylston?"
"I have had much opportunity to observe and study them."