he poured it into the mold until it
was full, closed it, and when he opened it again a shining bullet
dropped out. He worked hour after hour. His face became flushed with the
heat, but with pride he watched his heap of bullets grow.

Crockett at last said they had done enough for one day, and Ned was glad
when they went outside and breathed the fresh air again. There was no
firing at that time, and they climbed once more upon the church wall.
Ned looked out upon the scene, every detail of which was so familiar to
him now. But conspicuous, and seeming to dominate all, was the blood-red
flag of no quarter floating from the tower of the church of San
Fernando. Wind and rain had not dimmed its bright color. The menace in
its most vivid hue was always there.

Travis, who was further along the wall with a pair of strong field
glasses, came back and joined Ned and Crockett.

"If you would like to see Santa Anna you can," he said to Ned. "He is on
the church of San Fernando now with his generals looking at us. Take
these glasses and your gaze may meet his."

Ned took the glasses, and there was Santa Anna standing directly under
the folds of the banner with his own glasses to his eyes, studying the
Alamo and its defenders. About him stood a half dozen generals. Ned's
heart swelled with anger. The charm and genius of Santa Anna made him
all the more repellent now. Ned knew that he would break any promise if
it suited him, and that cunning and treachery were his most potent
tools.

Santa Anna, at that very moment, was discussing with Sesma, Cos, Gaona
and others the question of an immediate assault with his whole army upon
the Alamo. They had heard rumors of an advance by Fannin with help for
the Texans, but, while some of the younger spirits wished prompt attack,
Santa Anna decided on delay.

The dictator doubted whether Fannin would come up, and if he did he
would merely put so many more rats in the trap. Santa Anna felt secure
in his vast preponderance of numbers. He would take the Texans in his
own good time, that is, whenever he felt like it. He did not care to
hurry, because he was enjoying himself greatly in San Antonio. Capable
of tremendous energy at times, he gave himself up at other times to
Babylonian revels.

Ned handed the glasses to Crockett, who also took a long look.

"I've heard a lot of Santa Anna," he said, "an' maybe I'll yet meet him
eye to eye."

"It's possible," said Travis, "but, Davy, we've got