They saw a few cabins, but every one was abandoned.

The deep sense of tragedy was over them all, even over young Will Allen.

They rarely spoke, and they rode along in silence, save for the beat of their horses' hoofs.

Shortly before night they met a lone buffalo hunter whom the Panther knew.
"Have you been close to San Antonio, Simpson ?" asked the Panther, after the greeting.
"I've been three or four days hangin' 'roun' the neighborhood," replied the hunter.

"I came down from the northwest when I heard that Santa Anna was advancing an' once I thought I'd make a break an' try to get into the Alamo, but the Mexican lines was drawed too thick an' close." "Have you heard anything about the men inside ?" asked the Panther eagerly.
"Not a thing.