The sun, now high above the earth's rim, poured down a flood of rays.
Everything stood out sharp and clear.

Ned saw the buildings of the Alamo dark against the sun, and he saw men on the walls.

He saw the Mexican columns pressed together in one great force, and he even saw the still faces of many who lay silent on the plain.
He knew that the Mexicans were about to charge again, and his feeling of exultation passed.

He no longer had hope that the defenders of the Alamo could beat back so many.

He thought again how few, how very few, were the Texans.
The silence endured but a moment or two.