They answered the hail of the sentinel and came on more swiftly.

His eyes turned to the wood, in which the Mexican camp yet lay.

Their cavalry would still outnumber the Texan force two or three to one, but the Mexicans invariably demanded greater odds than that before they would attack the Texans.

Ned saw no stir in the wood.

Not a shot was fired as the new men came forward and were joyously admitted to the church.
The men were one hundred and twenty in number, led by Colonel Ward, who by virtue of his rank now commanded all the defenders.