mised by Santa Anna, had not come.

A great clamor for an immediate attack arose. The citizen army gathered
in hundreds around the tent of Burleson, the leader, and demanded that
they be led against San Antonio. Fannin and Milam were there, and they
seconded the demands of the men. Ned stood on the outskirts of the
crowd. The Ring Tailed Panther on one side of him uttering a succession
of growls, but Obed on the other was silent.

"It looks like a go this time," said Ned.

"I think it is," said Obed, "and if it isn't a go now it won't be one at
all. Waiting wears out the best of men."

The Ring Tailed Panther continued to growl.

A great shout suddenly arose. The Panther ceased to growl and his face
beamed. Burleson had consented to the demand of the men. It was quickly
arranged that they should attack San Antonio in the morning, and risk
everything on the cast.

The short day--it was winter now--was spent in preparations. Ned and his
comrades cleaned their rifles and pistols and provided themselves with
double stores of ammunition. Ned did not seek to conceal from himself,
nor did the men seek to hide from him the greatness and danger of their
attempt.

"They outnumber us and they hold a fortified town," said Obed. "Whatever
we do we three must stick together. In union there is often safety."

"We stick as long as we stand," said the Ring Tailed Panther. "If one
falls the other two must go on, an', if two fall, the last must go on as
long as he can."

"Agreed," said Ned and Obed.

They were ready long before night, but after dark an alarming story
spread through the little army. Part of it at least proved to be true.
One of the scouts, sent out after the decision to attack had been taken,
had failed to come in. It was believed that he had deserted to the
Mexicans with news of the intended Texan advance. The leaders had
counted upon surprise, as a necessary factor in their success, and
without it they would not advance. Gloom settled over the army, but it
was not a silent gloom. These men spoke their disappointment in words
many and loud. Never had the Ring Tailed Panther roared longer, without
taking breath.

The Texans were still talking angrily about the fires, when another
shout arose. The missing scout came in and he brought with him a Mexican
deserter, who confirmed all the reports about the discouragement of the
garrison. Once more, the Texans crowded about Burleson's tent, and
demanded that the att