It is a large force, cannon and lancers, horse and foot."
"And so Santa Anna has been lulling us with promises, while sending an
army to destroy us."
Bowie's tone, so gentle and mild before, grew hard and bitter. The
firelight flickered across his face and to Ned the blue eyes looked as
cold and relentless as death. He had heard strange stories of this man,
tales of desperate combats in Mississippi and Louisiana, and he believed
now that they were true. He could see the daring and determined soul
behind the blue eyes.
While Ned was talking "Deaf" Smith was leaning forward with his hand
behind his ear. When the story was finished the dark face grew still
darker, but he said nothing. The others, too, were silent but Ned knew
their minds. It was a singular little company drawn from different
American states, some from the far north, but all alike in their
devotion to the vague region then known as Texas.
"I think, Ned," said Bowie, "that you have served Texas well. We have
been divided among ourselves. Many have believed in propitiating Santa
Anna and Mexico, but how can you propitiate a tiger that is about to
devour you? We cannot trust Mexico, and we cannot trust Santa Anna.
Your message settles all doubt and gives us time to arm.
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