"You cannot tell me so!" he exclaimed.
"I'm afraid that they will all be taken," said Ned. "They had no ammunition when I slipped away, and the
Mexicans were following them. There was no possibility of escape."
Fannin paled. But he pressed his lips firmly together for a moment and then said to Ned:
"Keep this to yourself, will you? Our troops are young and without experience. It would discourage them too much."
"Of course," said Ned. "But meanwhile I wish to fight with you."
"There will be plenty of chance," said Fannin. "Hark to it!"
The sound of firing swelled on all sides of them, and above it rose the triumphant shouts of the Mexicans.