as
Houston. The famous leader sat in the center of the little group. He was
over six feet high, very powerful of build, with thick, longish hair,
and he was dressed carefully in a suit of fine dark blue cloth. He rose
and saluted the four with great courtesy. Despite his long period of
wild life among the Indians his manners were distinguished.

"We welcome you, Smith and Karnes, our faithful scouts," he said, "and
we also welcome those with you who, I presume, are the two escaped from
the City of Mexico."

It was evident that the story of Ned and Obed had preceded them, but
Karnes spoke for them.

"Yes, General," he said. "They are the men, or rather the man and the
boy. These are Obed White and Ned Fulton, General Houston."

Houston's glance ran swiftly over them. Evidently he liked both, as he
smiled and gave each a hearty hand.

"And now for your story," he said.

Obed nodded toward Ned.

"He's the one who saw it all," he said, "and he's the one who brings the
warning."

Ned was a little abashed by the presence of Houston and the other
important Texans, but he told the tale once more rapidly and succinctly.
Every one listened closely. They were the chief members of the temporary
Texan government, but the room in which they met was all of the
frontier. Its floor was of rough boards. Its walls and ceilings were
unplastered. There was not a single luxury and not all of the
necessities.

When Ned finished, Houston turned to the others and said quietly:

"Gentlemen, we all know that this is war. I think there need be no
discussion of the point. It seems necessary to send out more messengers
gathering up every Texan who will fight. Do you agree with me?"

All said yes.

"I think, too," said Houston, "that Santa Anna may now send Mr. Austin
back to us. He does not know how well informed we are, and doubtless he
will believe that such an act will keep us in a state of blindness."

"And you, my brave and resourceful young friend, what do you want to
do?"

"Fight under you."

Houston laughed and put his hand affectionately on the boy's shoulder.

"I see that there is something of the courtier in you, too," he said.
"It is not a bad quality sometimes, and you shall have the chance that
you ask, later on. But meanwhile, you and Mr. White would better rest
here, a while. You may have some scouting and skirmishing to do first.
We must feel our way."

Ned and Obed now withdrew, and received the hospitality o