“For Deaf Smith maybe,” hazarded Ernest.
“Why doesn’t he come, then? He had to go only eight miles.”
All talk was nervous and disjointed. The Mexican camp seemed very quiet; not a movement could be described in the portion visible around the timber island on the left. The sun had long crossed the zenith, and was declining toward the west. It was after two o’clock.
The general had been in consultation with his field officers. They separated—Secretary Rusk nodding as if in approval. Orders came for the men to form ranks. Colonel Lamar vaulted into his saddle, and there was a rush for horses. The Twin Sisters, at the edge of the timber on the high tongue, were being attached to their teams.
The lines were straightened under covert of the oaks: the cavalry, westernmost, first on the right; next Colonel Millard’s regular infantry with their muskets—and Leo, next the Twin Sisters, a little in advance; next Colonel Burleson’s First Regiment of riflemen, with Sion in it; next, on the extreme left end of the line, Colonel Sherman’s Second Regiment of riflemen. All this took considerable time, and three o’clock had passed.
General Houston rode in the rear of the line saying:
“Hold your fire, men! Hold your fire, for close quarters!”
An aide galloped to Colonel Lamar. Colonel Lamar drew his sword and turned:
“Forward, march!” he shouted. He led off, to the right, at an amble, to circuit between the two timber islands. The flute, in the Colonel Burleson regiment, was playing “Will You Come to the Bower?” and the drum was softly keeping time.
“We’re coming, all right,” remarked Jim, to Ernest.