“It looks like a go this time,” said Ned.

“I think it is,” said Obed, “and if it isn’t a go now it won’t be one at all.  Waiting wears out the best of men.”

The Ring Tailed Panther continued to growl.

A great shout suddenly arose.  The Panther ceased to growl and his face beamed.  Burleson had consented to the demand of the men.  It was quickly arranged that they should attack San Antonio in the morning, and risk everything on the cast.

The short day—­it was winter now—­was spent in preparations.  Ned and his comrades cleaned their rifles and pistols and provided themselves with double stores of ammunition.  Ned did not seek to conceal from himself, nor did the men seek to hide from him the greatness and danger of their attempt.

“They outnumber us and they hold a fortified town,” said Obed.  “Whatever we do we three must stick together.  In union there is often safety.”

“We stick as long as we stand,” said the Ring Tailed Panther.  “If one falls the other two must go on, an’, if two fall, the last must go on as long as he can.”

“Agreed,” said Ned and Obed.

They were ready long before night, but after dark an alarming story spread through the little army.  Part of it at least proved to be true.  One of the scouts, sent out after the decision to attack had been taken, had failed to come in.  It was believed that he had deserted to the Mexicans with news of the intended Texan advance.  The leaders had counted upon surprise, as a necessary factor in their success, and without it they would not advance.  Gloom settled over the army, but it was not a silent gloom.  These men spoke their disappointment in words many and loud.  Never had the Ring Tailed Panther roared longer, without taking breath.

The Texans were still talking angrily about the fires, when another shout arose.  The missing scout came in and he brought with him a Mexican deserter, who confirmed all the reports about the discouragement of the garrison.  Once more, the Texans crowded about Burleson’s tent, and demanded that the attack be made upon San Antonio.  At last Burleson exclaimed: 

“Well, if you can get volunteers to attack, go and attack!”

Milam turned, faced the crowd and raised his hand.

There was a sudden hush save for the deep breathing of many men.  Then in a loud, clear voice Milam spoke only ten words.  They were: 

“Who will go with old Ben Milam into San Antonio?”

And a hundred voices roared a single word in reply.  It was: 

“I!”

“That settles it,” said the Ring Tailed Panther with deep satisfaction.  “Old Satan himself couldn’t stop the attack now.”

The word was given that the volunteers for the direct attack, three hundred in number, would gather at an old mill half way between the camp and the town.  Thence they would march on foot for the assault.  Ned and his comrades were among the first to gather at the mill and he waited as calmly as he could, while the whole force was assembled, three hundred lean, brown men, large of bone and long of limb.