But Houston and the leading Texans with him hardly slept at all.

There was but one course to choose, and they were fully aware of its gravity, Houston perhaps more so than the rest, as he had seen more of the world.

They worked nearly all night in the bare room, and when Houston sought his room he was exhausted.
Houston's room was a bare little place, lighted by a tallow candle, and although it was not long until day he sat there a while before lying down.

A man of wide experience, he alone, with the exception of Roylston, knew how desperate was the situation of the Texans.

In truth, it was the money of Roylston sent from New Orleans that had caused him to hazard the chance.