eat some supper. I know they are as good as those you get at the
Alamo."

Mañuel seated himself on a buffalo-robe, and while partaking of the
evening meal, Inez chatted away on indifferent subjects, asking,
during the conversation, what news had been received from the Texan
army.

"We got news to-day that they are marching down to Gonzales, but I am
thinking they will find hot work."

"How many men may we number, Mañuel, and think you the chances are for
us?"

"By the blessed Virgin, if we were not ten to five Mañuel Nevarro
would not eat his tortilla in peace. The Captain says we will scatter
them like pecans in a high wind."

"What bone is there to fight for at Gonzales?"

"Cannon, Inez, cannon. Don't you know we sent a thousand men to bring
it here, and the white rascal sent five hundred to keep it there. By
the Virgin, we will see who gets it!"

"Holy Mother protect us! Mañuel, take care of yourself, man, and rush
not into danger. It will profit you little that we have many men, if
some strong arm tells your length on the sward."

"Never fear, Inez--never fear. We must not stop till every American
turns his back on the Alamo, and his face to the East."