about noon
Perhaps he did not yet understand the full fighting power of the Texans , and he feared to be identified with failure , in case they made the assault upon San Antonio . When Ned and his comrades withdrew from the tent they went to one of the breakfast fires , where they ate broiled strips of buffalo and deer , and drank coffee . Then Ned rolled in his blankets , and slept under an oak tree . When he awoke about noon he sprang to his feet with a cry of joy and surprise . Urrea was standing beside him , somewhat pale , and with his left hand in a sling , but the young Mexican himself , nevertheless . Ned seized his right hand and gave it a powerful grip . `` We thought you as good as dead , Don Francisco , '' he said .