h! Good-by!" She pressed her lips to his hand, and without a
tear, shrouded her face in her mantilla and turned away.

"God bless you, Inez, and keep you from all harm!" and Dr. Bryant left
the house, and returned to his commander.

* * * * *

Colonel Fanning had led his troops but a few miles when the vanguard
halted, and some excitement was manifested. Spurring forward, he
inquired the cause of delay.

"Why, Colonel, if we ain't 'out of the frying-pan into the fire,' my
name is not Will Furgeson. Look yonder, Colonel, it takes older and
weaker eyes than mine to say them ain't Santy Anna's imps marching
down upon us thick as bees just swarmed, too!"

"You are right, Furgeson; it is the entire Mexican force! let us form
at once and meet them!"

Quick and clearly his orders rung out, and his little band, compact
and firm, waited in silence the result. With an exulting shout the
Mexicans charged. Desperately the doomed Texans fought, heaping up the
slain at every step. The wily Santa Anna changed his tactics. There
came a momentary cessation as the crowding thousands were furiously
driven back. And, seizing the opportunity, he spurred forward, offered
honorable terms, and besought Fanning to surrender and save the lives
of his brave followers.

"We will only surrender on condition that every privilege of prisoners
of war be guaranteed to us," replied Colonel Fanning.

"I, Santa Anna, commander-in-chief of the Mexican forces, do most
solemnly pledge my word, that all the privileges consistent with your
situation as prisoners of war, shall be extended to yourself and men.
And hereby swear, that on these conditions you may lay down your arms
in safety, without further molestation on our part."

Is there one of my readers who for a moment would attach blame to the
noble Fanning? The lives of his men were of far more importance to him
than the renown of perishing, like Travis, in a desperate struggle.
With the latter there was no alternative, for the cry of even seven
exhausted men for "quarter" was disregarded, and the garrison fell
to a man. But honorable terms were offered Fanning: he remembered
his men, and surrendered. Santa Anna! can there be pardon for such a
hardened wretch as you? Does not sleep fly your pillow? In the silent
watches of the night, do not the specter forms of your victims cluster
about your couch, and the shambles of Goliad rise before you? Can you
find rest fr