"
The man laughed.
"You are as well off as I am," he said. "But what of the wicked Texans?
Are they yet ready to surrender their throats to our knives? The dogs
hold us over long. It is said that they number scarce two hundred within
the mission. Truly they fight hard, and well they may, knowing that
death only is at the end."
Ned shuddered. The man seemed to take it all so lightly. But he replied
in a firm voice:
"I learned little of them save that they still fight. I took care not to
put myself before the muzzle of any of their rifles."
The Mexican laughed again.
"A lad of wisdom, you," he said. "They are demons with their rifles.
When the great assault is made, many a good man will speed to his long
home before the Alamo is taken."
So, they had already decided upon the assault. The premonition within
the Alamo was not wrong. It occurred to Ned that he might learn more,
and he paused.
"Has it been finally settled?" he asked. "We attack about three days
from now, do we not?"
"Earlier than that," replied the Mexican. "I know that the time has been
chosen, and I think it is to-morrow morning."
Ned's heart beat heavily. To-morrow morning! Even if he got through, how
could he ever bring Roylston and the relief force in time?
"I thank you," he said, "but I must hurry with my report.
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