"Why, Edward, my lad," he said kindly, "you don't have to ask my consent
to anything, after the way in which you have already sacrificed yourself
for me."

"But I am not going to stay with you any longer, Mr. Austin--that is, if
I can help it. I am going back to Texas."

Mr. Austin laughed. It was a mellow and satisfied laugh.

"So you are, Edward," he said, "and I am going with you. You will help
me to bear a message of peace and safety to the Texans."

Ned paused a moment, irresolute. There was no change in his
determination. He was merely uncertain about the words to use.

"There may be delays," he said at last, "and--Mr. Austin, I have decided
to go alone--and within the next day or two if I can."

The Texan's face clouded.

"I cannot understand you," he said. "Why this hurry? It would in reality
be a breach of faith to our great friend, Santa Anna--that is, if you
could go. I don't believe you can."

Ned was troubled. He was tempted to tell what was in his mind, but he
knew that he would not be believed, so he fell back again upon his
infinite capacity for silence. Mr. Austin read resolution in the closed
lips and rigid figure.