Their leader had certainly been wise in deciding to starve them out.

Meanwhile the little procession in the bed of the creek increased its speed slightly.
The Texans were now a full four hundred yards from the grove, and their confidence was rising.
"If they don't discover our absence until morning," whispered Ned to Will, "we'll surely get away." "Then I hope they won't discover it until then," said Will fervently.

"I don't want to die in battle just now, nor do I want to be executed in Mexico for a rebel or for anything else." They were now a full mile from the grove and the banks of the creek were decreasing in height.

They did not rise anywhere more than three or four feet.

But the water increased in depth and the margin of sand was narrower.