A few minutes later he sprang breathless
into the camp, and friendly hands held him up as he was about to pitch
forward with exhaustion.
His breath and poise came back in a few moments, and he looked about
him. He had made no mistake. He was with Fannin's force, and it was
already pressed hard by Urrea's army. Even as he drew fresh, deep
breaths he saw a heavy mass of Mexican cavalry gallop from the wood,
wheel and form a line between Fannin and the creek, the only place where
the besieged force could obtain water.
"Who are you?" asked an officer, advancing toward Ned.
Young Fulton instantly recognized Fannin.
"My name is Edward Fulton, you will recall me, Colonel," he replied. "I
was in the Alamo, but went out the day before it fell. I was taken by
the Mexicans, but escaped, fled across the prairie, and was in the
mission at Refugio when some of your men under Colonel Ward came to the
help of King."
"I have heard that the church was abandoned, but where is Ward, and
where are his men?"
Ned hesitated and Fannin read the answer in his eyes.
"You cannot tell me so!" he exclaimed.
"I'm afraid that they will all be taken," said Ned. "They had no
ammunition when I slipped away, and the Mexicans were following them.
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