at little village of
little log cabins. Then he looked straight before him at the yellow
river, and the shore beyond, where the Mexican camp lay.

It was now seven o'clock and the twilight was coming.

"Isn't it late to make an attack?" he said to Obed.

"It depends on what happens. Circumstances alter battles. If we surprise
them there'll be time for a fine fight. If they discover our advance it
may be better to wait until morning."

They rode into the water twenty abreast, and made for the farther shore.
So many horses made much splashing, and Ned expected bullets, but none
came. Dripping, they reached the farther shore and went straight toward
the Mexican camp. Then came sudden shouts, the flash of rifles and the
singing of bullets. The Mexican sentinels had discovered the Texan
advance.

Moore ordered his men to halt, and then he held a short conference with
the leaders. It was very late, and they would postpone the attack until
morning. Hence, they tethered their horses in sight of the Mexican camp,
set many sentinels and deliberately began to cook their suppers.

It was all very strange and unreal to Ned. Having started for a battle
it was battle he wanted at once and the wait of a night rested heavily
upon his nerves.

"Take it easy, Ned," said Obed, who observed him. "Willful haste makes
woeful fight. Eat your supper and then you'd better lie down and sleep
if you can. I'd rather go on watch toward morning if I were you, because
if anything happens in the night it will happen late."

Ned considered it good advice and he lay down in his blankets, having
been notified that he would be called at one o'clock in the morning to
take his turn. Once more he exerted will to the utmost in the effort to
control nerves and body. He told himself that he was now surrounded by
friends, who would watch while he slept, and that he could not be
surprised. Slumber came sooner than he had hoped, but at the appointed
hour he was awakened and took his place among the sentinels.

Ned found the night cold and dark, but he shook off the chill by
vigorous walking to and fro. He discovered, however, that he could not
see any better by use, as the darkness was caused by mists rather than
clouds. Vapors were rising from the prairie, and objects, seen through
them, assumed thin and distorted shapes. He saw west of him and
immediately facing him flickering lights which he knew were those of the
Mexican camp. The heavy air seemed to