XII
HOUSE TO HOUSE IN OLD BEJAR
“Who will go with old Ben Milam into San Antonio?”
A murmur welling to an eager cry answered him.
“Form in line, volunteers,” was the order.
The crowd jostled into place. Other men came running. Ernest found himself in line beside Jim; and somewhere, down the line, were, he felt certain, Leo and Sion.
Colonel Milam, and Frank Johnson, the acting adjutant-general, passed along, counting off the men. There were talking and laughing and enthusiasm. General Burleson stood in the tent flaps, looking out, surveying.
“San Antonio for winter quarters! Not Goliad!” called several voices to him. He smiled; evidently they all had his permission.
“Whom’ll you have for commander, boys?” asked Colonel Milam.
“You! You! Milam for commander! Ben Milam!”
And rose the shouts, widely repeated: “Milam! Milam!”