In a moment, however, the soul behind his white face made it visibly luminous.

"Houston," he said, "whenever the cause of freedom needs me, I am ready.

I shall want no second call.

But is it not possible, that even yet--" "It is impossible to avert what is already here.

Within a few days, perhaps to-morrow, you will hear the publication of an edict from Santa Anna, ordering every American to give up his arms." "What! Give up our arms! No, no, by Heaven! I will die fighting for mine, rather." "Exactly.