The figures of the men became dusky.
Sometimes he saw them and sometimes he did not.

Then everything vanished, and he fell into a long and sound sleep.
While Ned and Obed slept, the Texans conferred earnestly.

They knew that every word Ned had told was true, and they felt that the trouble between Texas and Mexico had now come to a head.

It must be war.

They were fully aware of the fearful odds, but they did not believe the Texans would flinch.