Remember the Alamo

rce zeal a n

justice rule

yoke meek

truth is he

r Freedom's

e sighs, and c

en nations

rb the oppre

virtues fire

he generous

ithstand the

e nation wi

icult." In reality, she was angry and sullen. At such times she always went early to mass, said many prayers, and still further irritated herself by unnecessary fasting. But there are few homes whi

all her tenderest feelings, her husband a rebel, her home made desolate, her sons and daughters supporting their father's imprudent vi

had always said yes to all his father's opinions. How could she expect anything from John when he was being care

ad expected this trouble at the outset. It was one of those domestic thorns which fester and hamper, but to which the very best of men have to submit.

If he would do a little as the most wise and tender of spous

I will go to early mass, when one's husband and children

is chill; besides, I have to say the stree

n to die. And the Americans do not offend

ooking at. But then it is an intolerable offence to see them

m there at the proclamation; there was not one to be seen twelve hours afterwards. But at the principa

ANTA

nt our arm

AND AMERIC

revolvers and knife in his belt, was taking the road to his office with a somewhat marked deliberation. He was yet a remarkably handsome man; and what man is there that a rifle does n

prominent citizens, addressed him with but a slightly repressed sympathy. They directed his attention with meaning looks to the count

To both the military and the civilians his skill was a necessity. The attitude he had taken was privately discussed, but no one publicly acted or even commented upon it. Perhaps he was a

e sweep of a skilful hand. He turned quickly, and saw two young men galloping towards him. The foremost figure was his son-his beloved youngest son-whom he had just

you here." He had his hand on the lad's shoulder, and was gazi

er lived: Darius Grant. 'Dare' we call him, father, for there is not anything he won't venture if he thinks

e; never so welcome to Texas as at this hour

went far before them as if impatient of their welcome. Antonia heard them first. She was on the balcony, standing thoughtful and attent. It seemed to her as if in those days

Dare's vo

ions, and again they called her. With swift steps she r

main within," she said, sul

Rachela, I a

norita will have he

e pink blossoms and dark glossy leaves. The vivid sunshine through them made a rosy light which tinged her face and her white gown with an indescribable glow. If a mortal woman can ever look like an angel, the fair, swiftly movi

was. He knew nothing, felt nothing, saw nothing, heard nothing but Antonia. And yet he did not fall at her feet, and kiss her hands and whisper

its instant answer in her own. In that moment they revealed to each other the length and breadth, the height and the depth of their affection. They had not tho

going hurriedly upstairs to tell the Senora her surmise; but Jack passed her with a bound, an

other, I

ate of rebellion against heaven and earth. But Jack was her idol, the one child for whose presence she continually pined, the one h

the Holy Mother to pity my sorrows, and send you to me. I vow to Mary a new shrine. I vow to keep it, and

oked her face, and patted her hands, and did all with such natural fervor and g

I have promised him that you will be his mother also. Dare is so good-the finest fellow in all the world; com

out the great shell pins, and let it fall like a cloud around her, and with a glad pride gave Rachela the order to get out her jewelled comb and gilded fan and fine

e thrown open; the sunshine came in. He was running after Isabel, he was pla

ner herself, selected the dishes and gave strict orders about their serving. She took Jack's friend at once into her favor, and Dare thought her wonderfully lovely and g

the days that were fast coming. So they sat long over the sweetmeats, and fresh figs, and the pale wines of Xeres and Alicante. And they rose up with laughter, looking into each others' fac

utely anxious, went to and fro between his children and his study. Antonia and Dare were in the myrtle walk or under the fig-tree. This hour was the blossoming time of their lives. And it was not the less swe

very early; so early that their adieus must be said with their goo

, where

ales, mi

o not desert your mad

I love with my whole soul. That is why I have come back to you

eanings. Oh, Juan! why

way the arms of the Americans. That is not to be endured. If you yoursel

ut off my hands and feet first. Juan, li

th my brother, and with my American compatriots. Are we slaves, that we must

guns! One would think the Mexicans wanted the wives and children, the homes

les and we will come and help you!' The idea of disarming ten thousand Americans!" Jack laughed with scornful amusement at the notion. "What a game it will be!

ay Ignatius says he went into the Colorado and was what they call immersed; he that was baptized with holy water by th

my father, my brother, Santa Anna's

ve me thy compassion!" Then, turning to Juan, she cried out: "May God pardon me for

d, in spite of her relu

hat we are right. Do not be cross with Juan. I am going a

ll not kiss you. You want what

nt fr

to death of this everlasting talk of freedom. I think indeed that the Americans know

doom me to misfortune. Mi madre, I beg this favor from you." He had risen, but he s

sted its beauty, its sorrow, its imploration! But she would not look. She drew her hands angr

by, mi

by, mi

rn to him, or an

Say 'God bless you, Juan.' It

la entered, and the wretched woman abandoned herse

s mother with his strongest affection. Every one of her sobs wrung his heart. Was it right to wound and disobey her for the sa

while they touch only silver and gold; but when they try to bind a man's ideals-the freedo

pass. But mother would grow more loving as the days went by. And this was ever the end of Jack's reasoning; for no man knows how deep th

ossible to him. He went into the house, weary, and longing for companionship that would comfort or strengthen him. Only Isabel w

u again, Juan; do you think thi

angel mio. The Americans are great fighters, and their quarrel

men to fight the Americans. Some they will cut in pieces

ulous tyrant. He has committed every crime under heaven

s should even make h

hat is ver

then,

e rest he would settle for in purgatory. And

a says they

to be my brother too. I

eart for him? Or has thi

nty brothers, if they were like Dare and Luis. But,

eek ago. Will you think of that? And the mother and uncle of Luis are angry at him; he will be

inheritance. I think

uis, say to him, 'Iza th

achela angrily c

n kept waiting. Very well! The Sisters are the only duenna for you; and ba

of this, Rachela: I am no longer to be treated like a baby." But

was invading even his light heart. Hundreds of moths were dashing themselves to death against the high glass shade that covered the blowing candles from them. He stood and looked at their hopeless efforts

ep made him stand ere

study. A different mental atmosphere met him there. The doctor was walking

I will walk within hearing; a roof makes me restless such a night as this"; for the waning moon had rise

ide his son. "I was asking, Jack, how you knew so much about Te

had a supper at his rooms, and there were thirty of us present. A man called Faulkner-a fine fellow from Nacogdoches-spoke

r w

was sent to the mines for the words. Faulkner's only hope for him is in the independence of Texas. He had

ld he say

can settlers in Texas two hundred and twenty-four millions of acres b

eighteen twenty-four. How many of them would have built homes under a tyrannical d

Scotland. You have only just emigrated into freedom. But we Americans are born free! If you can not feel the difference between a federal constitution and a military and religious despotism, there is simply no use talking to you. How would you like to find yourself in a country where sudd

l', Faulkner; and neither man nor de'il can come between him and his religion; but-' 'BUT,' shouted Fau

; and Sandy said we were 'a parcel of fools'; and then, would you believe it, father, when our boat wa

id he s

rd TEXAS. It has been stirring me up morning and night like the voice o' the charmer, and I be t

same enthusiasm ou

ed recruits; and at Randolph, sixty miles abo

ac

ten, we were cheered all the way down the river. The Mediterranean, though the biggest boat on it, was soon crowded; but at Helena, Cr

did you

ountry. We met parties from the depths of the Arkansas wilderness and the furthest boundaries of the Choctaw nation coming to it. There were raftsmen from the Mississippi, from the White, an

nvitation m

here never will be such a barbecue again. Thousands were present. The woods

e the sp

, Doc. Bennet, and many others. When the woods were illuminated at night with pine kn

od partisan, and he

is wife and two children were barbarously murdered by Mexicans. He appealed to those who could

oo

s was added to it. Every donation was hailed with the wildest transports, and while the woods were ringing with

Jack!

n prairies. Crockett was already far advanced on the way. Sam Houston was known to be kindling the fire on the spot; "

ral G

roops at Nacogdoches. He says they are to pro

wenty-nine miles w

l it to be their duty to protect the people of Navasola, i

e Indians a m

Texas in the Union, and Gaines understands that if the American-Texans should be repulsed by Santa Anna, and fall back upon him, that he may then gather

e down on my bed. In four hours you must le

g was come. They said nothing of the fears in their hearts; and on

soon be over, da

We shall be