But it was a cheerful little party that occupied itself with molding bullets.  Ned put a bar of lead into a ladle, and held it over the fire until the bar became molten.  Then he poured it into the mold until it was full, closed it, and when he opened it again a shining bullet dropped out.  He worked hour after hour.  His face became flushed with the heat, but with pride he watched his heap of bullets grow.

Crockett at last said they had done enough for one day, and Ned was glad when they went outside and breathed the fresh air again.  There was no firing at that time, and they climbed once more upon the church wall.  Ned looked out upon the scene, every detail of which was so familiar to him now.  But conspicuous, and seeming to dominate all, was the blood-red flag of no quarter floating from the tower of the church of San Fernando.  Wind and rain had not dimmed its bright color.  The menace in its most vivid hue was always there.

Travis, who was further along the wall with a pair of strong field glasses, came back and joined Ned and Crockett.

“If you would like to see Santa Anna you can,” he said to Ned.  “He is on the church of San Fernando now with his generals looking at us.  Take these glasses and your gaze may meet his.”

Ned took the glasses, and there was Santa Anna standing directly under the folds of the banner with his own glasses to his eyes, studying the Alamo and its defenders.  About him stood a half dozen generals.  Ned’s heart swelled with anger.  The charm and genius of Santa Anna made him all the more repellent now.  Ned knew that he would break any promise if it suited him, and that cunning and treachery were his most potent tools.

Santa Anna, at that very moment, was discussing with Sesma, Cos, Gaona and others the question of an immediate assault with his whole army upon the Alamo.  They had heard rumors of an advance by Fannin with help for the Texans, but, while some of the younger spirits wished prompt attack, Santa Anna decided on delay.

The dictator doubted whether Fannin would come up, and if he did he would merely put so many more rats in the trap.  Santa Anna felt secure in his vast preponderance of numbers.  He would take the Texans in his own good time, that is, whenever he felt like it.  He did not care to hurry, because he was enjoying himself greatly in San Antonio.  Capable of tremendous energy at times, he gave himself up at other times to Babylonian revels.

Ned handed the glasses to Crockett, who also took a long look.

“I’ve heard a lot of Santa Anna,” he said, “an’ maybe I’ll yet meet him eye to eye.”

“It’s possible,” said Travis, “but, Davy, we’ve got to wait on the Mexicans.  It’s always for them to make the move, and then we’ll meet it if we can.  I wish we could hear from Bonham.  I’m afraid he’s been taken.”

“Not likely,” said Crockett.  “One man, all alone, an’ as quick of eye an’ foot as Bonham, would be pretty sure to make his way safely.”