CHAPTER VII
THE HERALD OF ATTACK
About midnight they rode into the thickest part of the woods that they could find, and slept there until day. Then they continued their course toward the west, and before night they saw afar small bands of horsemen.
"What do you say they are?" asked the Panther of Ned when they beheld the first group. "Seems to me they are Mexican."
Ned looked long before returning an answer. Then he replied with confidence:
"Yes, they are Mexicans. The two men in the rear have lances, and no Texan ever carried such a weapon."
"Then," said Obed White, "it behooves us to have a care. We're scouts now and we're not looking for a battle. He who dodges the fight and runs away may live to scout another day."
The Mexican horsemen were on their right, and the four continued their steady course to the west. They were reassured by the fact that the Mexicans were likely to take them in the distance for other Mexicans. It became evident now that Santa Anna was taking every precaution. He was sending forward scouts and skirmishers in force, and the task of the four was likely to become one of great danger.
Toward night an uncommonly raw and cold wind began to blow. That winter was one of great severity