Then Urrea said aloud, speaking in English, and addressing himself to the two officers:
"We have come by order of General Santa Anna, President of Mexico and Commander-in-Chief of her officers, to make a demand of you."
"A conference must proceed on the assumption that the two parties to it are on equal terms," said Major Morris, in civil tones.
"Under ordinary circumstances, yes," said Urrea, without abating his haughty manner one whit, "but this is a demand by a paramount authority upon rebels and traitors."
He paused that his words might sink home. All three of the Texans felt anger leap in their hearts, but they put restraint upon their words.
"What is it that you wish to say to us?" continued Major Morris. "If it is anything we should hear we are listening."
Urrea could not subdue his love of the grandiose and theatrical.
"As you may see for yourselves," he said, "General Santa Anna has returned to Texas with an overpowering force of brave Mexican troops. San Antonio has fallen into his hands without a struggle. He can take the Alamo in a day. In a month not a man will be left in Texas able to dispute his authority."
"These are statements most of which can be disputed," said Major Morris. "What does General Santa Anna demand of us?"
His quiet manner had its effect upon Urrea.
"He demands your unconditional surrender," he said.
"And does he say nothing about our lives and good treatment?" continued the Major, in the same quiet tones.
"He does not," replied Urrea emphatically. "If you receive mercy it will be due solely to the clemency of General Santa Anna toward rebels."
Hot anger again made Ned's heart leap. The tone of Urrea was almost insufferable, but Major Morris, not he, was spokesman.
"I am not empowered to accept or reject anything," continued Major Morris. "Colonel Travis is the commander of our force, but I am quite positive in my belief that he will not surrender."
"We must carry back our answer in either the affirmative or the negative," said Urrea.
"You can do neither," said Major Morris, "but I promise you that if the answer is a refusal to surrender--and I know it will be such--a single cannon shot will be fired from the wall of the church."
"Very well," said Urrea, "and since that is your arrangement I see nothing more to be said."