cutting fast through plaster and adobe, and soon reaching the street.
They made the trench fairly wide, intending to get their six pounder
across also. Just behind those who worked with spade and shovel came the
riflemen.

A third of the way across, and the Mexicans discovered what was going
on. Once more a storm of cannon, rifle and musket balls swept the
street, but the Texans, bent down in their trench, toiled on, throwing
the dirt above their heads and out on either side. The riflemen behind
them, sheltered by the earth, replied to the Mexican fire, and, despite
the darkness, picked off many men.

Ned was just behind Obed, and the Ring Tailed Panther was following him.
All three were acting as riflemen. Obed was seeking a glimpse of Urrea,
but he did not get it. Ned was watching for a shot at the gunners.

Once the Mexicans under the cover of their artillery undertook to charge
down the street, but the sharpshooters in the trench quickly drove them
back.

Thus they burrowed like a great mole all the way across Soledad Street,
and joined their comrades in the strong house of De La Garcia. They also
succeeded in getting both of their cannon into the house, and, now
united, the Texans were encouraged greatly. Ned found all the rooms
filled with men. A party broke through the joint wall and entered the
next house, thus taking them nearer to the plaza and the Mexican
fortifications.

All through the night intermittent firing went on. The Mexicans
increased their fortifications, preparing for a desperate combat on the
morrow. They threw up new earthworks, and they loopholed many of the
houses that they held. Cos, his dark face darker with rage and fury,
went among them, urging them to renewed efforts, telling them that they
were bound to take prisoners all the Texans whom they did not slay in
battle, and that they should hang every prisoner. Great numbers of the
women and children had hidden in the Alamo on the other side of the
river. San Antonio itself was stripped for battle, and the hatred
between Texan and Mexican, so unlike in temperament, flamed into new
heat.

Ned was worn to the bone. His lips were burnt with his feverish breath.
The smoke stung his eyes and nostrils, and his limbs ached. He felt that
he must rest or die, and, seeing two men sound asleep on the floor of
one of the rooms, he flung himself down beside them. He slept in a few
minutes and Obed and the Ring Tailed Panther seeing him there did