With it were some friends of mine. There was Palmer,
him they call the Panther, the biggest and strongest man in Texas; Obed
White, a New Englander, an' a boy, Will Allen. I've knowed 'em well for
some time, and there was another that belonged to their little band. But
he's in the Alamo now, an' they was wild to rescue him."
"Do you think Fannin will get through?" asked Houston.
"I don't," replied Smith decidedly, "an' if he did it would just mean
the loss of more good men for us. What do you think about it, Hank?"
"The same that you do," replied Karnes.
Houston pondered over their words a long time. He knew that they were
thoroughly acquainted with Texas and the temper of its people, and he
relied greatly on their judgment. When he went back in the room which
was used as a convention hall Smith and Karnes remained outside.
Smith sat down on the grass, lighted a pipe and began to smoke
deliberately. Karnes also sat down on the grass, lighted his own pipe
and smoked with equal deliberation. Each man rested his rifle across his
knees.
"Looks bad," said Smith.
"Powerful bad."
"Almighty bad."
"Talkin's no good when the enemy's shootin'."
"Reckon there's nothin' left for us but this," tapping the barrel of his
rifle significantly.
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