Not in the centre of the Mexican camp, but on the bank of the river, a large and nearly new marquee tent had been put up as the first order for a halt was given. At a little distance a fire had been quickly kindled and cooking was already going on. In front of the tent stood a group of officers and they were chatting merrily. "We will crush the Alamo like an eggshell," asserted one of them. "It will surrender at discretion on our arrival," added another! "Travis will never be so foolhardy as to resist an overwhelming force," remarked a third; but he added to the dark-faced man in the middle of the group, "General, what are we to do after dinner? I'm tired of inspecting." "So are the men," responded the general. "I think we shall have something better. We can empty a coop." He pointed as he spoke at a spot of ground fifty yards from the tent, at the right, where several ragged _peons_ were at work with stakes and cord. They were already constructing a cockpit, for the Mexican commander did not propose to let so small a matter as the conquest of Texas deprive him of his favorite amusement. Moreover, on the bank of the river, beyond the cockpit, were drawn up two large wagons, and each of these was almost over-piled with wicker coops, the occupants of which were from time to time crowing defiantly at each other. If the army was to rest there while the Texans were getting ready to receive it, more than one of the coops might possibly be emptied by the proposed combats of the gallant poultry. Meantime, the disposition of battalions, regiments, and batteries was left haphazard to subordinates who had no fowls to think of, and the general and his brilliant staff went in to dinner. CHAPTER XVII. THE FIRST SHOT. Four days went by. All the space inside the walls of the fort had a clean and tidy look. The soldiers of the garrison went hither and thither with an air of being under more than usual drill, but their varied uniforms were about the same as ever. A light rain was falling and the skies overhead were heavy with clouds, as if a storm were coming. A shout was heard outside the gate, and then its massive oaken portal swung wide open, while Colonel Travis stood by the six-pounder, his handsome face bright with expectation. "Boys!" he shouted, "the supplies have come!" Nearing the gate-way was a train of large wagons, and on either side and in the rear of them rode mounted riflemen. "Reinforcements, too!" exclaimed Crockett, as he strode forward to the side of Travis. Colonel Bowie was already out beyond the wall, scrutinizing the approaching train and its guard. "Not a quarter as many men as we needed," he remarked, in a low, foreboding tone. "I hope there are more coming." On rolled the wagons, while cheer after cheer went up from the garrison, to be answered as heartily by the new arrivals. "Keep right on," shouted Travis to the drivers. "Halt in front of the church."