"Under ordinary circumstances, yes," said Urrea, without abating his
haughty manner one whit, "but this is a demand by a paramount authority
upon rebels and traitors."
He paused that his words might sink home. All three of the Texans felt
anger leap in their hearts, but they put restraint upon their words.
"What is it that you wish to say to us?" continued Major Morris. "If it
is anything we should hear we are listening."
Urrea could not subdue his love of the grandiose and theatrical.
"As you may see for yourselves," he said, "General Santa Anna has
returned to Texas with an overpowering force of brave Mexican troops.
San Antonio has fallen into his hands without a struggle. He can take
the Alamo in a day. In a month not a man will be left in Texas able to
dispute his authority."
"These are statements most of which can be disputed," said Major Morris.
"What does General Santa Anna demand of us?"
His quiet manner had its effect upon Urrea.
"He demands your unconditional surrender," he said.
"And does he say nothing about our lives and good treatment?" continued
the Major, in the same quiet tones.
"He does not," replied Urrea emphatically. "If you receive mercy it will
be due solely to the clemency of General Santa Anna toward rebels.
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