l terms," said Major Morris, in civil tones.

"Under ordinary circumstances, yes," said Urrea, without abating his
haughty manner one whit, "but this is a demand by a paramount authority
upon rebels and traitors."

He paused that his words might sink home. All three of the Texans felt
anger leap in their hearts, but they put restraint upon their words.

"What is it that you wish to say to us?" continued Major Morris. "If it
is anything we should hear we are listening."

Urrea could not subdue his love of the grandiose and theatrical.

"As you may see for yourselves," he said, "General Santa Anna has
returned to Texas with an overpowering force of brave Mexican troops.
San Antonio has fallen into his hands without a struggle. He can take
the Alamo in a day. In a month not a man will be left in Texas able to
dispute his authority."

"These are statements most of which can be disputed," said Major Morris.
"What does General Santa Anna demand of us?"

His quiet manner had its effect upon Urrea.

"He demands your unconditional surrender," he said.

"And does he say nothing about our lives and good treatment?" continued
the Major, in the same quiet tones.

"He does not," replied Urrea emphatically. "If you receive mercy it will
be due solely to the clemency of General Santa Anna toward rebels."

Hot anger again made Ned's heart leap. The tone of Urrea was almost
insufferable, but Major Morris, not he, was spokesman.

"I am not empowered to accept or reject anything," continued Major
Morris. "Colonel Travis is the commander of our force, but I am quite
positive in my belief that he will not surrender."

"We must carry back our answer in either the affirmative or the
negative," said Urrea.

"You can do neither," said Major Morris, "but I promise you that if the
answer is a refusal to surrender--and I know it will be such--a single
cannon shot will be fired from the wall of the church."

"Very well," said Urrea, "and since that is your arrangement I see
nothing more to be said."

"Nor do I," said Major Morris.

The Mexicans saluted in a perfunctory manner and rode toward San
Antonio. The three Texans went slowly back to the Alamo. Ned walked
behind the two men. He hoped that the confidence of Major Morris was
justified. He knew Santa Anna too well. He believed that the Texans had
more to fear from surrender than from defence.

They entered the Alamo and once more the great door was shut and barred
heavily.