The word passed swiftly among the defenders that their fortress was uninjured and not a man hurt.
As the smoke rose higher Ned saw Mexican officers with glasses examining the Alamo to see what damage their cannon had done.

He hoped they would feel mortification when they found it was so little.

Davy Crockett knelt near him on the parapet, and ran his hand lovingly along the barrel of Betsy, as one strokes the head of a child.
"Do you want some more rifles, Davy ?" asked Bowie.
"Jest about a half dozen," replied Crockett.

"I think I can use that many before they clear out." Six of the long-barreled Texan rifles were laid at Crockett's feet.

Ned watched with absorbed interest.