It was only the deadly Texan rifles that kept the Mexican cavalry from galloping over them and crushing them at once.

The Mexican fire itself, coming from muskets of shorter range, did little damage.

Yet the Texans were compelled to load and pull trigger very fast, as they retreated slowly upon the mission.
At last they reached the great door and began to pass rapidly inside.
Now the Mexicans pressed closer, firing heavy volleys.
A score of the best Texan marksmen whirled and sent their bullets at the pursuing Mexicans with such good aim that a dozen saddles were emptied, and the whole force reeled back.

Then all the Texans darted inside, and the great door was closed and barricaded.

Many of the men sank down, breathless from their exertions, regardless of the Mexican bullets that were pattering upon the church.