by
my uncle, General Urrea, to inquire into the meaning of the white flag
that you have hoisted."

Each of the Mexican officers, as his name was called, took off his hat
and bowed.

"I am Colonel Fannin," began the Texan leader.

All four Mexicans instantly bowed again.

"And you are wounded," said Urrea. "It shows the valor of the Texans,
when their commander himself shares their utmost dangers."

Fannin smiled rather grimly.

"There was no way to escape the dangers," he said. "Your fire was
heavy."

Urrea smiled in a gratified way, and then waited politely for Fannin to
continue. The leader at once began to treat with the Mexican officers.
Ned, Durangue and Urrea translated, and the boy did not miss a word that
was said. It was agreed that the Texans should surrender, and that they
should be treated as prisoners of war in the manner of civilized
nations. Prompt and special attention would be given to the wounded.

Then the Mexican officers saluted courteously and went back toward their
own ranks. It had all seemed very easy, very simple, but Ned did not
like this velvet smoothness, this willingness of the Mexicans to agree
to the most generous terms. Fannin, however, was elated. He had won no
victories, but he had saved the lives of his men.

Their own return was slow, as Fannin's wound oppressed him, but when
they reached their camp, and told what had been done, the recruits began
silently to stack their arms, half in gladness and half in sorrow. More
Mexican officers came presently and still treated them with that same
smooth and silky courtesy. Colonel Holzinger received the surrendered
arms, and, as he did so, he said to Ned, who stood by:

"Well, it's liberty and home in ten days for all you gentlemen."

"I hope so," said Ned gravely, although he had no home.

The Mexican courtesy went so far that the arms of the officers were
nailed up in a box, with the statement that they would be given back to
them as soon as they were released.

"I am sorry that we cannot consider you an officer, Senor Fulton," said
young Urrea to Ned, "then you would get back your rifle and pistols."

"You need not bother about it," said Ned. "I am willing to let them go.
I dare say that when I need them I can get others."

"Then you still mean to fight against us?" said Urrea.

"If I can get an exchange, and I suppose I can."

"You are not content even yet! You saw what happened at the Alamo. You
survived that by a mir