He was like some formidable beast about to spring.

The boaster was ready to make good his boast.
"Run down to the other ford, Ned," said Palmer, "an' tell the men there that the Mexicans are at hand." Ned did his errand, but returned very quickly.

He was anxious to see the advance of Castenada's troop.

The Mexicans, about half of whom were lancers and the rest armed with muskets, came on very steadily.

An officer in fine uniform, whom Ned took to be Castenada himself, rode at their head.