The Texans, or those who were called
the Texans, shot straight and together so fast that no Mexican column
could withstand their hail of bullets.
A second time the Mexicans charged, and a second time they were driven
back in the same manner. Exultation spread among the recruits standing
in the hollow, but they were still surrounded. The Mexicans merely drew
out of range and waited. Then they attacked a third time, and, from all
sides, charging very close, infantry and cavalry. The men in the hollow
were well supplied with rifles, and their square fairly blazed. Yet the
Mexicans pressed home the charge with a courage and tenacity that Ned
had never seen among them before. These were Mexico's best troops, and,
even when the men faltered, the officers drove them on again with the
point of the sword. General Urrea himself led the cavalry, and the
Mexicans pressed so close that the recruits saw both lance and bayonet
points shining in their faces.
The hollow in which the Texans stood was a huge cloud of flame and
smoke. Ned was loading and firing so fast that the barrel of his rifle
grew hot to the touch. He stood with two youths but little older than
himself, and the comradeship of battle had already made them friends.
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