He rode a strong horse, and he would find fresh mounts on the way.

He obeyed the orders of the general literally.

He soon left San Antonio far behind, and went on hour after hour, straight toward Goliad.

Now and then he felt the inside of his tunic where the letter lay, but it was always safe.

Three or four times he met parties of Mexicans, and he replied briefly to their questions that he rode on the business of the most illustrious president, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.