They took the cannon into the water a second time, but the result was the same.  They could not get it across, and with infinite exertion they dragged it back to the bank.  Then they looked at one another in despair.  They could ford the river, but it seemed madness to go on without the cannon.  While they debated there, a messenger came with news that the investment of the Alamo by Santa Anna was now complete.  He gave what rumor said, and rumor told that the Mexican army numbered ten or twelve thousand men with fifty or sixty guns.  Santa Anna’s force was so great that already he was sending off large bodies to the eastward to attack Texan detachments wherever they could be found.

Fannin held an anxious council with his officers.  It was an open talk on the open prairie, and anybody who chose could listen.  Will Allen and Obed White said nothing, but the Panther was vehement.

“We’ve got to get there!” he exclaimed.  “We can’t leave our people to die in the Alamo!  We’ve got to cut our way through, an’, if the worst comes to the worst, die with them!”

“That would benefit nobody,” said Fannin.  “We’ve made every human effort to get our cannon across the river, and we have failed.  It would not profit Texas for us to ride on with our rifles merely to be slaughtered.  There will be other battles and other sieges, and we shall be needed.”

“Does that mean we’re not goin’ on?” asked the Panther.

“We can’t go on.”

Fannin waved his hand at the yellow and swollen river.

“We must return to Goliad,” he said, “I have decided.  Besides, there is nothing else for us to do.  About face, men, and take up the march.”

The men turned slowly and reluctantly, and the cannon began to plough the mud on the road to Goliad, from which they had come.

The Panther had remounted, and he drew to one side with Will and Obed, who were also on their horses.  His face was glowing with anger.  Never had he looked more tremendous as he sat on his horse, with the water still flowing from him.

“Colonel Fannin,” he called out, “you can go back to Goliad, but as for me an’ my pardners, Obed White an’ Will Allen, we’re goin’ to Bexar, an’ the Alamo.”

“I have no control over you,” said Fannin, “but it would be much better for you three to keep with us.”

“No,” said the Panther firmly.  “We hear the Alamo callin’.  Into the river, boys, but keep your weapons an’ ammunition dry.”

Their horses, urged into the water, swam to the other bank, and, without looking back the three rode for San Antonio de Bexar.

* * * * *

While the Panther, Obed White and Will Allen were riding over the prairie, Ned Fulton sat once more with his friend.  Davy Crockett, in one of the adobe buildings.  Night had come, and they heard outside the fitful crackle of rifle fire, but they paid no attention to it.  Travis, at a table with a small tallow candle at his elbow, was writing his last message.