im for it," he
went on, with much satisfaction.

The Texans got into the house as soon as possible, much to the surprise
and consternation of the family, who protested in vain at the
intrusion. Once within, doors and windows were barricaded, and the
residence turned into a veritable fort.

It was now growing daylight, and without delay the Mexicans began a
furious onslaught. The crack of musketry and the roaring of cannon was
incessant, but the Texans were wise enough to keep out of sight, and
but little damage to human life was done. The Texans stationed
themselves at convenient loopholes and calmly picked off every Mexican
soldier who showed himself within range.

"I wonder how the second division is making out," said Lieutenant
Radbury, as the day wore away and the cracking of firearms continued.
"They seem to be doing about as much firing as we are."

"They are at the vice-governor's house," announced one of the other
officers. "We could join them were it not that the greasers are
sweeping Soledad Street with their twelve-pounder."

Rations were scarce and water was more so, yet the men under Milam did
not complain. They had come to take the city, and they meant to do it.

"I hope Ralph won't suffer through this," remarked Dan, while on guard
at one of the loopholes, with his father not far away.

"We must trust for the best," answered Amos Radbury, and breathed a
silent prayer that all might go well with his younger offspring.

As night came on it was resolved to dig a trench across Soledad Street,
so that the two divisions might communicate with each other. This was
dangerous work, for the Mexicans kept a strict guard and fired every
time a head was exposed to view. The trench was started at each end and
was completed long before daybreak. While this was going on the
Mexicans also dug a trench, hoping thereby to catch the Texans in a
cross-fire, but the scheme failed.

CHAPTER XXIII.

THE SURRENDER OF THE CITY.

"If only I was at liberty once again!"

Ralph had said this to himself over and over, as he sat on the hard
wooden bench which served him both for a seat and a couch in the little
stone cell which he occupied in the San Antonio lockup.

Several days had gone by, and no one had come to see the youth but his
jailer, who delivered food twice a day, morning and afternoon. The
jailer spoke nothing but Spanish, so communications between the two
were limited.

Ralph often wondered what h