ked towards the mountains. They had an
ethereal hue, a light without rays, a clearness almost polar in its
severity. But in some way their appearance infused into his soul
calmness and strength.

"Liberty has always been bought with life, and the glory of the greatest
nations handseled with the blood of their founders." This was the
thought in his heart, as looking far off to the horizon, he asked
hopefully:

"What then, O God, shall this good land produce
That Thou art watering it so carefully?"

CHAPTER V. A FAMOUS BARBECUE.

"So when fierce zeal a nation rends,
And stern injustice rules the throne,
Beneath the yoke meek virtue bends,
And modest truth is heard to groan.
But when fair Freedom's star appears,
Then hushed are sighs, and calmed are fears.
And who, when nations long opprest,
Decree to curb the oppressor's pride,
And patriot virtues fire the breast,
Who shall the generous ardor chide?
What shall withstand the great decree,
When a brave nation will be free?

It is flesh and blood that makes husbands and wives, fathers and
children, and for the next few days these ties were sorely wounded in
Robert Worth's house. The Senora was what Rachela called "difficult." 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 which totally escape the
visitations of this 'pious temper' in some form or other. And no creed
modifies it; the strict Calvinist and strict Catholic are equally
disagreeable while under its influence.

Besides, the Senora, like the ill-tempered prophet, thought she "did
well to be angry." She imagined herself deserted and betrayed in all
her tenderest feelings, her husband a rebel, her home made desolate, her
sons and daughters supporting their father's imprudent views. She could
only see one alternative before her; she must choose between her country
and her religion, or her husband and children.

True, she had not yet heard from her sons, but she would listen to none
of Rachela's hopes regarding them. Thomas had always said yes to all his
father's opinions. How could she expect anything from John when he was
being carefully trained in the very principles which everywhere made the
Americans so irritating to the Mexican