antelope were feeding, but there was no other sign of life of any
kind.

"I don't see anything of them friends of ours to whom you were
signalin'," said the Ring Tailed Panther.

Urrea would not reply. The Panther said nothing further, and they rode
on over the prairie. But both the Ring Tailed Panther and Obed were
watching the ground, and, when they had gone about two miles, they
reined in their horses.

"See!" they exclaimed simultaneously.

They had come to a broad trail cutting directly across their path. It
was made by at least a hundred horses, and the veriest novice could not
have missed it. The trail was that of shod hoofs, indicating the
presence of white men.

"What is this, Don Francisco?" asked the Ring Tailed Panther.

"I do not have to reply to you unless I wish," said Urrea, "but I am
willing to tell you that it is undoubtedly the trail of the Texan
reinforcements to which I was signaling last night."

Ned looked quickly at him. Again the young Mexican's voice had the ring
of truth. Was the wild and improbable tale now coming true? If so, he
could never forgive himself for the manner in which he had treated
Urrea. Still, it was for the older men to act now, and he continued his
silence.

"Maybe Texans made this trail, and maybe they didn't," said Obed, "but I
think we'd better follow it for a while and see. About how old would you
say this trail is, Panther?"

"Not more'n two hours."

They turned their course, and followed the broad path left by the
horsemen across the prairie. Thus they rode at a good pace, until nearly
noon, and the trail was now so fresh that they could not be far away.
The change of direction had brought them toward forest, heavy with
undergrowth. It was evident that the horsemen had gone into this forest
as the trail continued to lead straight to it, and the Ring Tailed
Panther approached with the greatest caution.

"Can you see anything, Ned, in there among them trees an' bushes?" he
asked. "You've got the sharpest eyes of all."

"Not a thing," replied Ned, "nor do I see a bough or bush moving."

"It would be hard for such a big party to hide themselves," said Obed,
"so I think we'd better ride straight in."

They entered the forest, still following the trail among the trampled
bushes, riding slowly over rough ground, and watching wanly to right and
left. Urrea had not said a word, but when they were about a mile within
the wood, he suddenly leaned from his horse