io, and, even if you
should take the town, Santa Anna will come with a great army and destroy
you. And then, remember that there is a price to be paid. Much rope
will be used to good purpose in Texas."

"You have eaten our bread, you have received kindness from us, and yet
you talk of executions."

"I ate your bread, because it was my business to do so. I am not ashamed
of anything that I have done. I do not exaggerate, when I say that I
have rendered my nation great service against the Texan rebels. It was I
who brought them against you more than once."

"I should not boast of it. I should never pretend to belong to one side
in war and work for another."

"Again there is a difference between us. Now, what do you purpose to do?
I am, as it were, your prisoner, and it is for you to make a beginning."

Ned was embarrassed. He was young and he could not enforce all the
rigors of war. He knew that if he took Urrea to the camp the man would
be executed as a spy and traitor. The Mexicans had already committed
many outrages, and the Texans were in no forgiving mood. Ned could not
forget that this man had broken bread with his comrades and himself, and
once he had liked him. Even now his manner, which contained no fear nor
cringing, appealed to him.

"Go," he said at last, "I cannot take your life, nor can I carry you to
those who would take it. Doubtless I am doing wrong, but I do not know
what else to do."

"Do you mean that you let me go free?"

"I do. You cannot be a spy among us again, and as an open enemy you are
only as one among thousands. Of course you came here to-night to spy
upon us, and it was an odd chance that brought us together. Take the
direction of San Antonio, but don't look back. I warn you that I shall
keep you covered with my rifle."

Urrea turned without another word and walked away. Ned watched him for
a full hundred yards. He noticed that the man's figure was as trim and
erect as ever. Apparently, he was as wanting in remorse as he was in
fear.

When Urrea had gone a hundred yards Ned turned and went swiftly back to
the camp. He said nothing about the incident either to Obed or the Ring
Tailed Panther. The next day Urrea was crowded from his mind by exciting
news. A sentinel had hailed at dawn three worn and unkempt Texans who
had escaped from San Antonio, where they had long been held prisoners by
Cos. They brought word that the Mexican army was disheartened. The heavy
reinforcements, pro