Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/239

 For going past the enemy's camp this morn No scouts were seen, no sentries, no intrenchments. Like swarming bees, so roamed the Mexicans, Some here, some there, for fodder and for wood; In open fields they unprotected lie With swamps and swollen rivers in their rear, And not one bridge for their retreat, since we At his advice (pointing at Bradburn) destroyed the last at Vince's.

And may not this apparent negligence Be but a mask, a ruse to lure us on To our defeat upon his chosen ground? These papers ta'en from Santa Anna's tent Will prove to thee, that quite a different scheme Lies in his plan; he only bides the coming Of Cos and Filisola to surround Your forces here, and with one final blow To crush the hope of Liberty forever. [He hands some papers to Houston.] This only strengthens my opinion more To wait for his attack in our position; For knowing his design, we lightly can Defeat it by the weapons of his own.