hundred men, instead of less than a hundred and fifty!"

"We must send for help," said Bowie. "The numbers of Santa Anna
continually increase, but we are not yet entirely surrounded. If the
Texans know that we are beleaguered here they will come to our help."

"I will send messengers to-morrow night," said Travis. "The Texans are
much scattered, but it is likely that some will come."

It was strange, but it was characteristic of them, nevertheless, that no
one made any mention of escape. Many could have stolen away in the night
over the lower walls. Perhaps all could have done so, but not a single
Texan ever spoke of such a thing, and not one ever attempted it.

Santa Anna moved some of his batteries and also erected two new ones.
When the work on the latter was finished all opened in another
tremendous cannonade, lasting for fully an hour. The bank of smoke was
heavier than ever, and the roaring in Ned's ears was incessant, but he
felt no awe now. He was growing used to the cannon fire, and as it did
so little harm he felt no apprehension.

While the fire was at its height he went down in the church and cleaned
his rifle, although he took the precaution to remain in one of the
covered rooms by the doorway. Davy Crockett was also there busy with the
same task. Before they finished a cannon ball dropped on the floor,
bounded against the wall and rebounded several times until it finally
lay at rest.

"Somethin' laid a big egg then," said Crockett. "It's jest as well to
keep a stone roof over your head when you're under fire of a few dozen
cannon. Never take foolish risks, Ned, for the sake of showin' off.
That's the advice of an old man."

Crockett spoke very earnestly, and Ned remembered his words. Bonham
called to them a few minutes later that the Mexicans seemed to be
meditating some movement on the lower wall around the grand plaza.

"Like as not you're right," said Crockett. "It would be the time to try
it while our attention was attracted by the big cannonade."

Crockett himself was detailed to meet the new movement, and he led fifty
sharpshooters. Ned was with him, his brain throbbing with the certainty
that he was going into action once more. Great quantities of smoke hung
over the Alamo and had penetrated every part of it. It crept into Ned's
throat, and it also stung his eyes. It inflamed his brain and increased
his desire for combat. They reached the low wall on a run, and found
that Bonham was right