He was not sneering or
ironical, and Ned, who had no wish to quarrel at such a time, was glad
of it.
"As General Santa Anna told you," said Urrea, "the assault is to be made
in overwhelming force early in the morning. It will succeed, of course.
Nothing can prevent it. Through the man Roylston, you have some claim
upon the general, but it may not be strong enough to save you long. A
service now might make his pardon permanent."
"What do you mean by a service now?"
"A few words as to the weaker points of the Alamo, the best places for
our troops to attack. You cannot do anything for the defenders. You
cannot alter their fate in any particular, but you might do something
for yourself."
Ned did not wish to appear dramatic. He merely turned his back upon the
young Mexican.
"Very well," said Urrea, "I made you the offer. It was for you to accept
it or not as you wish."
He left him upon the roof, and Ned saw the last rim of the red sun sink
in the plain. He saw the twilight come, and the Alamo fade into a dim
black bulk in the darkness. He thought once that he heard a cry of a
sentinel from its walls, "All's well," but he knew that it was only
fancy. The distance was far too great.
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