r by,
and, softly approaching Mary's horse, laid her finger on her lips,
and, pressing a piece of paper into her hand, returned as silently
as she came. Dr. Bryant turned his head toward Mary as he finished
speaking, and, catching a glimpse of the retreating form, looked
inquiringly at her.

"I believe it was Inez, though the face was entirely concealed. She
did not speak, but gave me this paper," and Mary unrolled the note:

"MARINITA,

"Santa Anna has crossed the Rio Grande with eight thousand
men. I warn you of your danger. You can get horses now, for
the Padre cannot control your people. There are brave men in
the Alamo, tell them of their danger. Again I say, fly quickly
from San Antonio.

"INEZ."

With a groan, Mary handed him the paper. In silence he perused and
returned it to her.

"Tell me, was it Inez who warned you before?"

"Yes, she told me we incurred unknown dangers by remaining here." He
mused for several moments.

"Ah! I can understand it all now. Several nights ago, returning
from the Alamo, I met her on the bridge alone; she seemed excited, I
thought, and impatient at meeting me, for I questioned her rambling so
late."

"Inez is a warm friend, and what she advises I feel almost bound
to do, for she is not timid, and only real danger rouses her
apprehension."

"Eight thousand men! and not two hundred to man the Alamo. Inez is
right; this is not a proper place for you. We will go, as we once
decided, to Washington; and when you are in safety, I will return and
lend my efforts to the feeble garrison."

They reached the gate, and he gently lifted the frail form from the
saddle; and, drawing her arm through his, led her to the house. As
they entered, he bent his head and said, in, a low tone:

"Tell me candidly, are you able to undergo the fatigue incident to
this journey? I fear you are not."

"Yes, I shall perhaps grow stronger; at any rate, if you do not change
your mind, let no fears for me influence you."

When leaving, he said it was probable that all would be in readiness
for their departure within a couple of days, as he wished to see them
secure, and then return.

"Mrs. Carlton will accompany us when she learns this terrible news?"
said Mary, inquiringly.

"Oh yes; I cannot consent for her to remain, and besides Mr. Carlton
has been anxious for some time regarding his family."

Florence, having read the note, fully approved their promptly
remov