Those fellows had been following us for days, and they must have had some idea that you were near, or they would have waited still longer." "They must not have known that we were as near as we were," said Bowie, "or they would not have invited our attack.

We heard the firing and galloped to it at once.

But you two need something better than talk." He broke off suddenly, because Ned had sat down on one of the logs, looking white and ill.

The collapse had come after so many terrible trials and privations, and not even his will could hold him.
"Here, you take a drink of this water, it's good and cold," said "Deaf" Smith kindly as he held out a canteen.

"I reckon that no boy has ever passed through more than you have, and if there's any hero you are one." "Good words," said Bowie.
Ned smiled.