Ned's faint was short. He remembered putting on clothing, securing a
rifle and ammunition, and then he ran out into the square. From many
windows he saw the triumphant faces of Mexicans looking out, but he paid
no attention to them. He thought alone of the Texans, who were now
displaying the greatest energy. In the face of the imminent and deadly
peril Travis, Crockett, Bowie and the others were cool and were acting
with rapidity. The order was swiftly given to cross to the Alamo, the
old mission built like a fortress, and the Texans were gathering in a
body. Ned saw a young lieutenant named Dickinson catch up his wife and
child on a horse, and join the group of men. All the Texans had their
long rifles, and there were also cannon.
As Ned took his place with the others a kindly hand fell upon his
shoulder and a voice spoke in his ear.
"I was going to send for you, Ned," said Bowie, "but you've come.
Perhaps it would have been better for you, though, if you had been left
in San Antonio."
"Oh, no, Mr. Bowie!" cried Ned. "Don't say that. We can beat off any
number of Mexicans!"
Bowie said nothing more. Much of Ned's courage and spirit returned, but
he saw how pitifully small their numbers were.
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