It was another grievous pang that Urrea should be there
to exult.
They met about midway between the camps, and Urrea stepped forward. He
gave Ned only a single glance, but it made the boy writhe inwardly. The
young Mexican was now all smoothness and courtesy, although Ned was sure
that the cruel Spanish strain was there, hidden under his smiling air,
but ready to flame up at provocation.
"I salute you as gallant foes," said Urrea in good English, taking off
his hat. "My comrades and associates here are Colonel Salas, Lieutenant
Colonel Holzinger and Lieutenant Gonzales, who are sent with myself by
my uncle, General Urrea, to inquire into the meaning of the white flag
that you have hoisted."
Each of the Mexican officers, as his name was called, took off his hat
and bowed.
"I am Colonel Fannin," began the Texan leader.
All four Mexicans instantly bowed again.
"And you are wounded," said Urrea. "It shows the valor of the Texans,
when their commander himself shares their utmost dangers."
Fannin smiled rather grimly.
"There was no way to escape the dangers," he said. "Your fire was
heavy."
Urrea smiled in a gratified way, and then waited politely for Fannin to
continue.
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