aces were not yet browned by the burning sun of Texas. Drawn by the
reports of great adventure they had come from far places, and each
little company had its own name. There were the "Grays" from New
Orleans, the "Mustangs" from Kentucky, the "Red Rovers" from Alabama and
others with fancy names, but altogether they numbered, with the small
reinforcements that had been received, only three hundred and fifty men.

Ned could have shed tears, when he looked upon the force. He felt
himself a veteran beside them. Yet there was no lack of courage among
them. They did not flinch, as the fire grew heavier, and the cannon
balls whistled over their heads. Ned was sure now that General Urrea
was around them with his whole army. The presence of the cannon
indicated it, and he saw enough to know that the Mexican force
outnumbered the Texan four or five to one.

He heard the Mexican trumpets pealing presently, and then he saw their
infantry advancing in dark masses with heavy squadrons of cavalry on
either flank. But as soon as they came within range, they were swept by
the deadly fire of the Texan rifles and were driven back in confusion.
Ned noticed that this always happened. The Mexicans could never carry a
Texan position by a frontal attack. The Texans, or those who were called
the Texans, shot straight and together so fast that no Mexican column
could withstand their hail of bullets.

A second time the Mexicans charged, and a second time they were driven
back in the same manner. Exultation spread among the recruits standing
in the hollow, but they were still surrounded. The Mexicans merely drew
out of range and waited. Then they attacked a third time, and, from all
sides, charging very close, infantry and cavalry. The men in the hollow
were well supplied with rifles, and their square fairly blazed. Yet the
Mexicans pressed home the charge with a courage and tenacity that Ned
had never seen among them before. These were Mexico's best troops, and,
even when the men faltered, the officers drove them on again with the
point of the sword. General Urrea himself led the cavalry, and the
Mexicans pressed so close that the recruits saw both lance and bayonet
points shining in their faces.

The hollow in which the Texans stood was a huge cloud of flame and
smoke. Ned was loading and firing so fast that the barrel of his rifle
grew hot to the touch. He stood with two youths but little older than
himself, and the comradeship of battle ha