Each of the Mexican officers, as his name was called, took off his hat and bowed.

“I am Colonel Fannin,” began the Texan leader.

All four Mexicans instantly bowed again.

“And you are wounded,” said Urrea.  “It shows the valor of the Texans, when their commander himself shares their utmost dangers.”

Fannin smiled rather grimly.

“There was no way to escape the dangers,” he said.  “Your fire was heavy.”

Urrea smiled in a gratified way, and then waited politely for Fannin to continue.  The leader at once began to treat with the Mexican officers.  Ned, Durangue and Urrea translated, and the boy did not miss a word that was said.  It was agreed that the Texans should surrender, and that they should be treated as prisoners of war in the manner of civilized nations.  Prompt and special attention would be given to the wounded.

Then the Mexican officers saluted courteously and went back toward their own ranks.  It had all seemed very easy, very simple, but Ned did not like this velvet smoothness, this willingness of the Mexicans to agree to the most generous terms.  Fannin, however, was elated.  He had won no victories, but he had saved the lives of his men.

Their own return was slow, as Fannin’s wound oppressed him, but when they reached their camp, and told what had been done, the recruits began silently to stack their arms, half in gladness and half in sorrow.  More Mexican officers came presently and still treated them with that same smooth and silky courtesy.  Colonel Holzinger received the surrendered arms, and, as he did so, he said to Ned, who stood by: 

“Well, it’s liberty and home in ten days for all you gentlemen.”

“I hope so,” said Ned gravely, although he had no home.

The Mexican courtesy went so far that the arms of the officers were nailed up in a box, with the statement that they would be given back to them as soon as they were released.

“I am sorry that we cannot consider you an officer, Senor Fulton,” said young Urrea to Ned, “then you would get back your rifle and pistols.”

“You need not bother about it,” said Ned.  “I am willing to let them go.  I dare say that when I need them I can get others.”

“Then you still mean to fight against us?” said Urrea.

“If I can get an exchange, and I suppose I can.”

“You are not content even yet!  You saw what happened at the Alamo.  You survived that by a miracle, but where are all your companions in that siege?  Dead.  You escaped and joined the Texans at Refugio.  Where are the defenders of Refugio?  In the swamps of the Guadalupe, and we have only to put forth our hands and take them.  You escaped from Refugio to find Fannin and his men.  Where are Fannin and his men now?  Prisoners in our hands.  How many of the Texans are left?  There is no place in all Texas so far that the arm of the great Santa Anna cannot reach it.”