een anointed with holy oil
and holy water. They had all received absolution everyday before the
fight began; they had been promised a free passage through purgatory and
a triumphant entry into heaven."

"Well, I will tell you something; Fray Ignatius showed it to me--it was
a paper printed. The rebels and their wives and children are to be sent
from this earth--you may know where they will all go, Roberto--Congress
says so. The States will give their treasures. The archbishops will
give the episcopal treasures. The convents will give their gems and gold
ornaments. Ten thousand men had left for San Antonio, and ten thousand
more are to follow; the whole under our great President Santa Anna. Oh,
yes! The rebels in Washington are to be punished also. It is well known
that they sent soldiers to Nacogdoches. Mexicans are not blind moles,
and they have their intelligence, you know. All the States who have
helped these outrageous ingrates are to be devastated, and you will see
that your famous Washington will be turned into a heap of stories. I
have seen these words in print, Roberto. I assure you, that it is not
just a little breath--what one or another says--it is the printed orders
of the Mexican government. That is something these Americans will have
to pay attention to."

The doctor sighed, and answered the sorrowful, credulous woman with a
kiss. What was the use of reasoning with simplicity so ignorant and so
confident? He turned the conversation to a subject that always roused
her best and kindest feelings--her son Jack.

"I have just seen young Dewees, Maria. He and Jack left San Felipe
together. Dewees brought instructions to General Burleson; and Jack
carried others to Fannin, at Goliad."

She took her husband's hands and kissed them. "That indeed! Oh, Roberto!
If I could only see my Jack once more! I have had a constant accusation
to bear about him. Till I kiss my boy again, the world will be all dark
before my face. If Our Lady will grant me this miraculous favor, I will
always afterwards be exceedingly religious. I will give all my desires
to the other world."

"Dearest Maria, God did not put us in this world to be always desiring
another. There is no need, mi queridita, to give up this life as a bad
affair. We shall be very happy again, soon.

"As you say. If I could only see Jack! For that, I would promise God
Almighty and you Roberto to be happy. I would forgive the rebels and the
heretics--for they are