It was only the troubled state of the people and the extreme division of sentiment among them that saved the two from capture.

But they obtained news that filled both with joy.
Fighting had occurred in Texas, but no great Mexican army had yet gone into the north.
Becoming bold now from long immunity and trusting to their Mexican address and knowledge of Spanish and its Mexican variants, they turned into the main road and pursued their journey at a good pace.

They were untroubled the first day but on the second day they saw a cloud of dust behind them.
"Sheep being driven to market," said Obed.
"I don't know," replied Ned, looking back.

"That cloud of dust is at least a mile away, but it seems to me I saw it give out a flash or two." "What kind of a flash do you mean ?" "Bright, like silver or steel.

There, see it!" "Yes, I see it now, and I think you know what makes it, Ned." "I should say that it is the sun striking on the steel heads of long lances." "So should I, and I say also that those lances are carried by Mexican cavalrymen bound for Texas.