ur of
deliverance;" and casting herself on her knees, with her crucifix in
her hand, she appeared in a moment to have forgotten everything but
her anguish and her sins, and the Lamb of God upon whom, with childlike
faith, she was endeavoring to cast them. Her tears dropped upon
the ivory image of the Crucified, and sympathetic tears sprung into
Antonia's and Isabel's eyes, as they listened to her imploration.

That night, when all was dark and still, Ortiz returned with the wagon.
In the morning Antonia went to speak to him. He looked worn-out and
sorrowful, and she feared to ask him for news. "There is food in the
house, and I have made you chocolate," she said, as she pitifully
scanned the man's exhausted condition.

"The Senorita is kind as the angels. I will eat and drink at her order.
I am, indeed, faint and hungry."

She brought him to the table, and when he refused to sit in her
presence, she said frankly, "Captain Ortiz, you are our friend and not
our servant. Rest and refresh yourself."

He bent upon one knee and kissed the hand she offered, and without
further remonstrance obeyed her desire. Isabel came in shortly, and with
the tact of true kindness she made no remark, but simply took the chair
beside Ortiz, and said, in her usual voice and manner: "Good morning,
Captain. We are glad to see you. Did you meet my brother Thomas again?"

"Senorita, God be with you! I have not seen him. I was at Goliad."

"Then you would see our brother Juan?"

"Si. The Senor Juan is in good health and great happiness. He sent by my
willing hands a letter."

"Perhaps also you saw his friend, Senor Grant?"

"From him, also, I received a letter. Into your gracious care, Senorita,
I deliver them."

"I thank you for your kindness, Captain. Tell us now of the fortress.
Are the troops in good spirits?"

"Allow me to fear that they are in too good assurance of success.
The most of the men are very young. They have not yet met our Lady of
Sorrows. They have promised to themselves the independence of Texas.
They will also conquer Mexico. There are kingdoms in the moon for them.
I envy such exaltations--and regret them. GRACE OF GOD, Senorita!
My heart ached to see the crowds of bright young faces. With a
Napoleon--with a Washington to lead them--they would do miracles."

"What say you to Houston?"

"I know him not. At Goliad they are all Houstons. They believe each man
in himself. On the contrary, I wish that each man looke