inously on the pale,
damp brows of the doomed garrison. Black clouds rolled up and veiled
the heavens in gloom. Night closed prematurely in with fitful gusts,
mingling the moans and strife of nature with the roar of artillery.
Still the fury of the onset abated not: the Alamo shook to its firm
basis. Despairingly the noble band raised their eyes to the blackened
sky. "God help us!" A howling blast swept by, lost in the deep
muttering of the cannonade. Then a deep voice rung clearly out, high
above the surrounding din: "Comrades, we are lost! let us die like
brave men!"

The shriek of departing hope was echoed back by the sullen groan of
despair. Travis fell, fighting at the entrance. As the hero sank upon
the glory floor, there was a pause; friend and foe gazed upon the
noble form! His spirit sprung up to meet his God.

"On, comrades! Travis has fallen! dearly will we die!"

One hundred and fifty brave hearts poured out their life-blood by
his motionless form, struck down like sheep in the slaughter-pen. But
seven remained: in despair they gazed on the ruin around, reeling from
exhaustion and slipping in gore. There was borne on the midnight air a
faint, feeble cry: "Quarter! quarter!" Alas! brave hearts, the appeal
was lost, for an incarnate demon led the thirsty band. With a fiendish
yell it was answered back, "No quarter!" and ye seven were stretched
beside your fearless, noble Travis.

Not a living Texan remained. The stiffening forms, grim in death,
returned not even a groan to the wild shout of triumph that rung so
mockingly though the deserted chambers of the slaughter-house. Victory
declared for the wily tyrant--the black-hearted Santa Anna. Complete
was the desolation which reigned around: there was none to oppose--no
not one; and the Alamo was his again! Oh, Death! thou art insatiate!
Hundreds had yielded to thy call, and followed the beckoning of thy
relentless hand: and still another must swell thy specter host, and
join the shadowy band of the Spirit World!

For three days Don Garcia lay motionless on his couch of pain; even
utterance was denied him, for paralysis had stretched forth her numb,
stiffening finger, and touched him, even while he stood in the busy
haunts of men. All day the din of battle had sounded in his ear;
Inez from time to time stole from his side, and looked out toward the
fortress, dimly seen through the sulphurous cloud of smoke and the
blaze of artillery.

In the silent watche