"
They rode steadily all the next day. Their horses were tough mustangs of
the best quality, and showed no signs of weariness. They passed through
a beautiful country of light rolling prairie, interspersed with fine
forest. The soil was deep and rich, and the foliage was already in its
tenderest spring green. Soft, warm airs swept up from the gulf. Five of
the riders felt elation, and talked cheerfully. But Ned maintained a
somber silence. The scenes of Goliad were still too vivid for him to
rejoice over anything. The others understood, and respected his silence.
They camped that night as usual in the thickest forest they could find,
and, feeling that they were now too far east to be in any serious danger
from the Mexicans, they lighted a fire, warmed their food, and made
coffee, having replenished their supplies at the last settlement. Obed
White was the coffee maker, heating it in a tin pot with a metal bottom.
They had only one cup, which they used in turn, but the warm food and
drink were very grateful to them after their hard riding.
"Keeping in good condition is about three-fourths of war," said Obed in
an oracular tone. "He who eats and runs away will live to eat another
day.
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