Another shower from the second gun struck
among them with like result, and the case of the Texans grew more
desperate.
They tried to reach the gunners with their rifles, but the range was too
great, and, after having thrown away nearly all the ammunition that was
left, they were forced to stand idly and receive the Mexican fire. The
Mexicans must have divined the Texan situation, as a great cheer rose
from their lines. It became evident to Ned that the shallow crater would
soon be raked through and through by the Mexican artillery.
Fannin, lying upon his pallet, was already calling a council of his
officers, to which anyone who chose might listen. The wounded leader was
still resolute for battle, saying that they might yet cut their way
through the Mexicans. But the others had no hope. They pointed to the
increased numbers of the foe, and the exhausted condition of their own
men, who had not now tasted food or water for many hours. If Urrea
offered them good terms they must surrender.
Ned stood on one side, saying nothing, although his experience was
perhaps greater than that of anybody else present. But he had seen the
inevitable. Either they must yield to the Mexicans or rush boldly on the
foe and die to the last man, as the defenders of the Alamo had done.
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