n the sight of all.

Before daylight in the morning the Senora and her daughters were ready
to begin their homeward journey. The doctor could not accompany them,
General Houston and the wounded Americans being dependent largely
upon his care and skill. But Luis Alveda and Lopez Navarro received an
unlimited furlough; and about a dozen Mexican prisoners of war belonging
to San Antonio were released on Navarro's assurance, and permitted to
travel with the party as camp servants. It was likely, also, that they
would be joined by a great many of the families who had accompanied the
great flight; for, on the preceding evening, Houston had addressed the
army, and told the householders and farmers to go home and plant their
corn.

Full of happiness, the ladies prepared for their journey. A good army
wagon, drawn by eight mules, and another wagon, containing two tents and
everything necessary for a comfortable journey, was waiting for them.
The doctor bid them good-by with smiles and cheerful promises. They were
going home. The war was over. Independence was won. They had the hope
of permanent peace. The weather also was as the weather may be among the
fields of Eden. The heavens were cloudless, the air sweet and fresh, and
the wild honeysuckles, with their spread hands full of scent, perfumed
the prairies mile after mile. The mules went knee-deep through warm
grasses; the grasses were like waving rainbows, with the myriads of
brightly tinted flowers.

Even Lopez was radiantly happy. Most unusual smiles lighted up his
handsome face, and he jingled the silver ornaments on his bridle
pleasantly to his thoughts as he cantered sometimes a little in advance
of the wagon, sometimes in the rear, occasionally by its side; then,
bending forward to lift his hat to the ladies and inquire after their
comfort.

Luis kept close to Isabel; and her lovely face and merry chatter
beguiled him from all other observations. A little before noon they
halted in a beautiful wood; a tent was spread for the ladies, the
animals were loosened from their harness, and a luxurious meal laid upon
the grass. Then the siesta was taken, and at three o'clock travel was
resumed until near sunset, when the camp was made for the night. The
same order was followed every day, and the journey was in every sense an
easy and delightful one. The rides, cheered by pleasant companionship,
were not fatiguing; the impromptu meals were keenly relished. And there
were many