silver braid. His saddle also was of the high, peaked style, studded
with silver. The Panther noticed Ned's smile of appraisement and smiled
back.

"Ain't it fine?" he said. "I guess this is about the beautifullest
outfit to be found in either Texas or Mexico. I bought it all in honor
of our victory just after we took San Antonio, and it soothes my eyes
and makes my heart strong every time I look at it."

"And it helps out the prairies," said Obed White, his eyes twinkling.
"Now that winter has made 'em brown, they need a dash of color and the
Panther gives it to 'em. Fine feathers don't keep a man from being a man
for a' that. What did you do in the storm, Ned?"

"I found shelter in a thick grove, managed to light a fire, and slept
there in my blankets."

"We did about the same."

"But I saw something before I reached my shelter."

"What was that?" exclaimed the two, noting the significance in Ned's
tone.

"While I was waiting in a dip I saw ten Mexican horsemen ride by. They
were heavily armed, and I've no doubt they were scouts belonging to some
strong force."

"And so they are back on this side of the Rio Grande," said Obed White
thoughtfully. "I'm not surprised. Our Texans have rejoiced too early.