He and Burnet
went back into the convention hall, and he wrote a fiery appeal to the
people. He said that the Alamo was beleaguered and "the citizens of
Texas must rally to the aid of our army or it will perish."
Smith and Karnes remained while the convention continued its work. They
did little ostensibly but smoke their cob pipes, but they observed
everything and thought deeply. On Sunday morning, five days after the
men had gathered at Washington, as they stood at the edge of the little
town they saw a man galloping over the prairie. Neither spoke, but
watched him for a while, as the unknown came on, lashing a tired horse.
"'Pears to be in a hurry," said Smith.
"An' to be in a hurry generally means somethin' in these parts," said
Karnes.
"I'm makin' 'a guess."
"So am I, an' yours is the same as mine. He comes from the Alamo."
Others now saw the man, and there was a rush toward him. His horse fell
at the edge of the town, but the rider sprang to his feet and came
toward the group, which included both Houston and Burnet. He was a wild
figure, face and clothing covered with dust. But he recognized Houston
and turned to him at once.
"You're General Houston, and I'm from the Alamo," he said.
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