y longed for
some one to come! The utmost of their calamity would be better than the
intolerable suspense. But hour after hour went past, and not even Ortiz
arrived. They began to fear that both he and Navarro had been discovered
in some disloyalty and slain, and Antonia was heartsick when she
considered the helplessness of their situation.

Still, in accordance with Navarro's instructions, they dressed for
the contemplated journey, and sat in the dark, anxiously listening for
footsteps. About eleven o'clock Navarro and Ortiz came together. Ortiz
went for the horses, and Navarro sat down beside, the Senora. She asked
him, in a low voice, what had taken place, and he answered:

"Everything dreadful, everything cruel, and monstrous, and inhuman!
Among the angels in heaven there is sorrow and anger this night."
His voice had in it all the pathos of tears, but tears mingled with a
burning indignation.

"The Alamo has fallen!"

"Senorita Antonia, I would give my soul to undo this day's work. It is a
disgrace to Mexico which centuries cannot wipe out."

"The Americans?"

"Are all with the Merciful One."

"Not one saved?"

"Not one."

"Impossible!"

"I will tell you. It is right to tell the whole world such an infamy.
If I had little children I would take them on my knee and teach them
the story. I heard it from the lips of one wet-shod with their blood,
dripping crimson from the battle--my own cousin, Xavier. He was with
General Castrillon's division. They began their attack at four in the
morning, and after two hours' desperate fighting succeeded in reaching a
courtyard of the Alamo.

"They found the windows and doors barricaded with bags of earth. Behind
these the Americans fought hand to hand with despairing valor. Ramires,
Siesma and Batres led the columns, and Santa Anna gave the signal of
battle from a battery near the bridge. When the second charge was driven
back, he became furious. He put himself in front of the men, and with
shouts and oaths led them to the third charge. Xavier said that he
inspired them with his own frenzy. They reached the foot of the wall,
and the ladders were placed in position. The officers fell to the rear
and forced the men to ascend them. As they reached the top they were
stabbed, and the ladders overturned. Over and over, and over again these
attempts were made, until the garrison in the Alamo were exhausted with
the struggle."

Navarro paused a few minutes, overpowered by