"We are now eleven to four," said Amos Radbury. "I believe if they understood the matter, they would surrender, rather than risk being shot."
"If they won't surrender I know what you can easily do," returned Dan.
"And what is that?"
"Starve them out. They are all as hungry as bears,—and so am I, for the matter of that."
"An excellent idea. But if you are hungry, here are rations in the saddle-bags," and Dan was speedily supplied with sufficient food to stay his hunger for the time being.
One of the party, who could talk Spanish fluently, was now ordered to show a white handkerchief tied to a stick, and this he did, moving to the very edge of the ravine for that purpose. At first, owing, probably, to the darkness, the Mexicans did not see the flag of truce, but at last the captain came forward, and demanded to know what was wanted.
"We want you to surrender," said the Texan.
"We will not do so, and you will attack us at your peril," was the Mexican's sharp reply.
"You are but four, while we number twelve."
"We will fight, even so, señor. A Mexican never surrenders."