The enemy is still supplying us
with our needs, Ned."

As they ate breakfast they resolved to secure another horse. Obed was of
the opinion that the army of Cos was not far away, and he believed that
he could steal one. At least, he was willing to try on the following
night, and, if he succeeded, their problem would be simplified greatly.

They remained nearly all the morning in the little valley and devoted a
large part of the time to developing their acquaintance with the horse,
which was a fine animal, amenable to good treatment, and ready to follow
his new masters.

"He looks like an American horse," said Obed, with satisfaction, "and
maybe he is one, stolen from the Texans. He'll carry one of us over many
miles of sand and cactus, and he'll be none the worse for it. But he
needs a friend. Horse was not made to live alone. It's my sympathy for
him as much as the desire for another mount that drives me to the theft
we contemplate."

Ned laughed and lolled on the grass which was now dry.

"Yon stay here with Bucephalus or Rosinante or whatever you choose to
call him," continued Obed, "and I think I'll cross the hills, and see if
Cos is near. If we're going to capture a horse, we must first know where
the horse is to be found."

"Suppose I go along, too."

"No, it would be easier for the Mexicans to see two than one, and we
shouldn't take unnecessary risks. Be sure you stay in the valley, Ned,
because I want to know where to find you when I come back. I've an idea
that the Mexican army isn't far, as we wound around a good deal during
the storm and darkness, and covered no great distance, if it were
counted in a straight line. At least I think so."

"You'll find me here."

Obed went toward the east, and Ned continued to make himself comfortable
on the grass, which was so long and thick that it almost hid his body.
But it was truly luxurious. It seemed that after so much hardship and
danger he could not get enough rest. He felt quite safe, too. It would
take a careful observer to see him lying there in the deep grass. It was
warm and dry where he lay, and the little valley was well hemmed in by
forest in which crotons, mimosas, myrtle oaks, okote pine and many other
trees grew. Some had large rich blossoms and he admired their beauty.

His eyes wandered back from the forest to their new friend, the horse.
Besides being an animal of utility the horse added to their comradeship.
Ned felt that he still had a fri