me for Obed to succeed him. Then he, too,
wrapped himself in his blankets and slept a dreamless sleep until day.

The remainder of the buffalo meat was taken away the next day, but
anticipating a long stay at the cabin they continued to hunt, both on
horseback and on foot. Two more buffalo cows fell to their rifles. They
also secured a deer, three antelope and a dozen wild turkeys.

Their hunting spread over two days, but when they were all assembled on
the third night at the cabin general satisfaction prevailed. They had
ranged over considerable country, and as game was plentiful and not
afraid the Panther drew the logical conclusion that man had been scarce
in that region.

"I take it," he said, "that the Mexicans are a good distance east, and
that the Lipans and Comanches are another good distance west. Just the
same, boys, we've got to keep a close watch, an' I think we've got more
to fear from raidin' parties of the Indians than from the Mexicans. All
the Mexicans are likely to be ridin' to some point on the Rio Grande to
meet the forces of Santa Anna."

"I wish we had more horses," said Obed. "We'd go that way ourselves and
see what's up."

"Well, maybe we'll get 'em," said the Panther. "Thar's a lot of horses
on these plains, some of which ought to belong to us an' we may find a
way of claimin' our rights."

They passed a number of pleasant days at the cabin and in hunting and
foraging in the vicinity. They killed more big game and the dressed
skins of buffalo, bear and deer were spread on the floor or were hung on
the walls. Wild turkeys were numerous, and they had them for food every
day. But they discovered no signs of man, white or red, and they would
have been content to wait there had they not been so anxious to
investigate the reported advance of Santa Anna on the Rio Grande.

Roylston was the most patient of them all, or at least he said the
least.

"I think," he said about the fourth or fifth day, "that it does not hurt
to linger here. The Mexican power has not yet gathered in full. As for
me, personally, it suits me admirably. I can walk a full two hundred
yards now, and next week I shall be able to walk a mile."

"When we are all ready to depart, which way do you intend to go Mr.
Roylston?" asked Ned.

"I wish to go around the settlements and then to New Orleans," replied
Roylston. "That city is my headquarters, but I also have establishments
elsewhere, even as far north as New York. Are yo