The
Panther put all his strength at the wheel, and, a dozen others helping,
they at last got it back to the bank from which they had started.
Fannin, not a man of great decision, looked deeply discouraged, but the
Panther and others urged him on to new attempts. The Panther, himself,
as he talked, bore the aspect of a huge river god. Yellow water streamed
from his hair, beard, and clothing, and formed a little pool about him.
But he noticed it not at all, urging the men on with all the fiery
energy which a dauntless mind had stored in a frame so great and
capable.
"If it can be done the Panther will get the guns across," said Will to
Obed.
"That's so," said Obed, "but who'd have thought of this? When we started
out we expected to have our big fight with an army and not with a
river."
They took the cannon into the water a second time, but the result was
the same. They could not get it across, and with infinite exertion they
dragged it back to the bank. Then they looked at one another in despair.
They could ford the river, but it seemed madness to go on without the
cannon. While they debated there, a messenger came with news that the
investment of the Alamo by Santa Anna was now complete.
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