moment malicious and tigerish, and he said
with a cruel emphasis: 'If I ever get Urrea into my hands, I will
execute him! I perceive, however, that I have never understood the
American character. For the few thousands in the country, I thought my
army an overwhelming one. I underestimated their ability.'

"'I tell you, sir, an army of millions would be too small to enslave ten
thousand free-born anglo-Americans. Liberty is our birthright. We have
marched four days on an ear or two of dry corn, and then fought a battle
after it'; and Houston drew from his pocket an ear, partially consumed,
which had been his ration. 'We have had no tents, no music, no uniforms,
no flag, nothing to stimulate us but the determination to submit to no
wrong, and to have every one of our rights.'

"Then he turned to Rusk and Sherman, and called a military counsel about
the prisoner, who was placed in an adjoining tent under a sufficient
guard. But the excitement is intense; and the wretch is suffering,
undoubtedly, all the mortal terrors of being torn to pieces by an
infuriated soldiery. Houston will have to speak to them. They will be
influenced by no other man."

The discussion upon this event lasted until midnight. But the ladies
retired to their own tent much earlier. They knelt together in grateful
prayer, and then kissed each other upon their knees. It was so sweet
to lie down once more in safety; to have the luxury of a tent, and a
mattress, and pillow.

"Blessed be the hand of God! my children," said the Senora; "and may the
angels give us in our dreams grateful thoughts."

And then, in the dark, Isabel nestled her head in her sister's breast,
and whispered: "Forgive me for being happy, sweet Antonia. Indeed, when
I smiled on Luis, I was often thinking of you. In my joy and triumph and
love, I do not forget that one great awful grave at Goliad. But a woman
must hide so many things; do you comprehend me, Antonia?"

"Querdita," she whispered, "I comprehend all. God has done right. If His
angel had said to me, 'One must be taken and the other left,' I should
have prayed, 'Spare then my little sister all sorrow.' Good-night, my
darling"; but as their lips met, Isabel felt upon her cheeks the
bitter rain which is the price of accepted sacrifice; the rain, which
afterwards makes the heart soft, and fresh, and responsive to all the
airs of God.

At the same moment, the white curtains of the marquee, in which the
doctor sat talking wi