"We have come by order of General Santa Anna, President of Mexico and Commander-in-Chief of her officers, to make a demand of you."
"A conference must proceed on the assumption that
the two parties to it are on equal terms," said Major Morris, in civil tones.
"Under ordinary circumstances, yes," said Urrea, without abating his haughty manner one whit, "but this is a demand by a paramount authority upon rebels and traitors."
He paused that his words might sink home. All three of the Texans felt anger leap in their hearts, but they put restraint upon their words.
"What is it that you wish to say to us?" continued Major Morris. "If it is anything we should hear we are listening."
Urrea could not subdue his love of the grandiose and theatrical.
"As you may see for yourselves," he said, "General Santa Anna has returned to Texas with an overpowering force of brave Mexican troops. San Antonio has fallen into his hands without a struggle. He can take the Alamo in a day. In a month not a man will be left in Texas able to dispute his authority."
"These are statements most of which can be disputed," said Major Morris. "What does General Santa Anna demand of us?"
His quiet manner had its effect upon Urrea.