The great ring of Mexican cavalry, intended to keep any of the Texans from escaping, also closed in, driving their own infantry forward to the assault.
Ned's heart sank as the whole Mexican army, gathering now at the northern or lower wall, rushed straight at the barrier.

But the deadly fire of the rifles flashed from it, and their front line went down.
Again they recoiled, and again the cavalry closed in, holding them to the task.
There was a pause of a few moments.

The town had been silent for a long time, and the Mexican soldiers themselves ceased to shout.

Clouds of smoke eddied and drifted about the buildings.

The light of the morning, first gray, then silver, turned to gold.