“While life remains, it shall indeed be my prayer that you may be blessed on earth, and rewarded in heaven.  Oh, Florry, I thank God that the scales have fallen from your eyes, and that truth shines brightly before you.”  She stopped suddenly, and pressed her hand to her side, while the pale brow wrinkled with pain.

“I have been talking too much, there is a suffocating sensation here.”

“It is only momentary, I hope.”

Mary shook her head, and smiled sadly:  “I don’t know, Florry; I have felt strangely of late.”

That evening as the household were busily preparing for their intended departure, Dr. Bryant abruptly entered, and informed them, with a clouded brow, that removal was impossible, as he could not procure a pair of horses for any price.

“It is perfectly unaccountable what has possessed the Mexican from whom I purchased as many as I thought necessary.  We agreed as to price, and they were to be sent this afternoon; but about two hours ago, he came to me, and declared that he had changed his mind, and would not part with them.  I offered double the original amount, but he said money was no inducement.  I strove to borrow or hire for any given time, but every proposal was peremptorily declined, and as it is impossible to leave here, I came over to entreat you to remain with my sister, at least for a few days, till we can determine what is advisable to do.”

His proposal was accepted, and the ensuing day saw them inmates of Mrs. Carlton’s.

CHAPTER XIX.

  “We’re the sons of sires that baffled
    Crowned and mitered tyranny: 
  They defied the field and scaffold
    For their birth-rights—­so will we!”

  CAMPBELL.

The issue of the engagement of the 8th October placed Goliad, with valuable munitions, in the hands of the Texans.  Many and joyous acclamations rose from their camp, hope beamed on every face, and sanguine expectations were entertained of a speedy termination of the conflict.  Slowly the little band proceeded toward Bexar, receiving daily accessions from headquarters, and girding themselves for a desperate struggle.  General Cos, fully appreciating the importance of the post he held, made active preparation for its defense, never doubting, however, that the strong fortifications of the Alamo would prove impregnable to assailants so feeble numerically.  Under the direction of the cautious Spaniard, the town already assumed a beleaguered aspect, and in addition to the watchman stationed on the observatory of the fortress, a sentinel paced to and fro on the flat roof of the gray old church, having orders to give instant alarm in case of danger by the ringing of the several bells.  Silver-haired men, bending beneath the weight of years, alone passed along the deserted streets, and augured of the future in the now silent Plaza.  The stores were closed, and anxiously the few Americans awaited