Once, on the second day, he saw two horsemen, whom his trained eyes told him to be Texan hunters.
The messenger sheered off into a patch of timber, and waited until the hunters passed out of sight.

Had they seen him much might have changed, a terrible story might have been different, but, at that period, the stars in their courses were working against the Texans.

Every accident, every chance, turned to the advantage of their enemies.
The messenger emerged from the timber, and went on at the same steady gait toward Goliad.

He was riding his fourth horse now, having changed every time he met a Mexican detachment, and the animal was fresh and strong.

The rider himself, powerful by nature and trained to a life in the saddle, felt no weariness.
The scattered houses of Goliad came into view, by and by, and the messenger, giving the magic name of Santa Anna, rode through the lines.
He inquired for General Urrea, the commander, but the general having gone to Victoria he was directed to Colonel Portilla, who commanded in his absence.