"He demands your unconditional surrender," he said.
"And does he say nothing about our lives and good treatment?" continued the Major, in the same quiet tones.
"He does not," replied Urrea emphatically. "If you receive mercy it will be due solely to the clemency of General Santa Anna toward rebels."
Hot anger again made Ned's heart leap. The tone of Urrea was almost insufferable, but Major Morris, not he, was spokesman.
"I am not empowered to accept or reject anything," continued Major Morris. "Colonel Travis is the commander of our force, but I am quite positive in my belief that he will not surrender."
"We must carry back our answer in either the affirmative or the negative," said Urrea.
"You can do neither," said Major Morris, "but I promise you that if the answer is a refusal to surrender—and I know it will be such—a single cannon shot will be fired from the wall of the church."
"Very well," said Urrea, "and since that is your arrangement I see nothing more to be said."
"Nor do I," said Major Morris.