Ned paused a little distance away.

He saw them talking together earnestly, but he could not hear what they said.

Far away he saw the three Mexicans riding slowly toward San Antonio.
Ned's eyes came back to the wall.

He saw Bowie detach himself from the other two and advance toward the cannon.

A moment later a flash came from its muzzle, a heavy report rolled over the plain, and then came back in faint echoes.
The Alamo had sent its answer.