drifting American population
had entirely vanished, but its palpable absence inspired the most
thoughtful of the people with fear instead of security.

Nor were the military by any means sure of the loyalty of the city. It
was well known that a large proportion of the best citizens hated the
despotism of Santa Anna; and that if the Americans attacked San
Antonio, they would receive active sympathy. Party feeling was no
longer controllable. Men suspected each other. Duels were of constant
occurrence, and families were torn to pieces; for the monks supported
Santa Anna with all their influence, and there were few women who dared
to disobey them.

Into the midst of this turbulent, touchy community, there fell one
morning a word or two which set it on fire. Doctor Worth was talking on
the Plaza with Senor Lopez Navarro. A Mexican soldier, with his yellow
cloak streaming out behind him, galloped madly towards the Alamo and
left the news there. It spread like wildfire. "There had been a fight at
Gonzales, and the Americans had kept their arms. They had also put the
Mexicans to flight."

"And more," added a young Mexican coming up to the group of which Robert
Worth was one, "Stephen Austin has escaped, and he arrived at Gonzales
at the very moment of victory. And more yet: Americans are pouring into
Gonzales from every quarter."

An officer tapped Doctor Worth on the shoulder. "Senor Doctor, your
arms. General Cos hopes, in the present extremity, you will set an
example of obedience."

"I will not give up my arms. In the present extremity my arms are the
greatest need I have."

"Then Senor,--it is a great affliction to me--I must arrest you."

He was led away, amid the audible murmurs of the men who filled the
streets. There needed but some one to have said the word, and they would
have taken him forcibly from the military. A great crowd followed him to
the gates of the Alamo. For there was scarcely a family in San Antonio
of which this good doctor was not an adopted member. The arrest of their
favorite confessor would hardly have enraged them more.

Fray Ignatius brought the news to the Senora. Even he was affected by
it. Never before had Antonia seen him walk except with thoughtful and
deliberate steps. She wondered at his appearance; at its suppressed
hurry; at a something in it which struck her as suppressed satisfaction.

And the priest was in his heart satisfied; though he was consciously
telling himself that