His fever was now
gone, but he was relaxed and weak. It was a pleasant weakness, however,
and, secure in the comradeship of his friends, he soon fell into a deep
slumber which lasted all the night. The others had planned an early
start, but, as Ned was sleeping with such calm and peace, they decided
not to disturb him, knowing how much he needed the rest. It was three
hours after sunrise when he awoke, and he made many apologies, but the
rest only laughed.
"What's the use of our hurryin'?" said "Deaf" Smith. "It'll take some
time for Sam Houston to get any army together, an' we might keep in good
shape until he gets it. Here's more beef soup for you, Ned. You'll find
it mighty fine for buildin' up."
Two or three hours after they started that day they came to a large
trail, and, when they followed it a little while, they found that it was
made by Mexicans marching south, but whether they belonged to the main
force under Santa Anna or that under Urrea they could not tell.
It was evident that the northern road was full of dangers and they rode
for the coast. Several small Texan vessels were flitting around the
gulf, now and then entering obscure bays and landing arms, ammunition
and recruits for he cause.
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