om the echoing shrieks of murdered thousands, or shut your
eyes and fail to perceive the mangled forms stiffening in death,
and weltering in gore? If you are human, which I much doubt, your
blackened soul will be tortured with unavailing remorse, till Death
closes your career on earth, and you are borne to the tribunal of
Almighty God, there to receive your reward....

Night found the Texans again in Goliad, and they sought sleep secure
from evil; for had not Santa Anna's word been given that further
molestation would not be allowed? and they believed! Soundly they
slept, and dreamed of far-off homes and fireside joys.

"That bright dream was their last!"

Sunrise came, and they were drawn out upon the Plaza. Their leader was
retained in custody, and, unsuspicious of harm, they each maintained
their position. Dr. Bryant raised his eyes--they rested but a moment
on Santa Anna's face. Turning quickly, he shouted aloud,

"Turn, comrades, let us not be shot in the back!"

Another moment the signal was given, and a deadly fire poured
upon four hundred unresisting prisoners of war, to whom honorable
conditions had been granted by the brave and noble generalissimo of
the Mexican forces.

Not one of many noble forms was spared. Dr. Bryant sank without
a struggle to the earth; and his spirit, released from sorrowing
mortality, sprung up to meet his Mary and his God!

The deed was done; and Santa Anna, the mighty chief who mowed down
four hundred unarmed men, was immortalized! Fear not, brave heart,
that posterity will forget thee! Rest assured that the lapse of time
cannot obliterate the memory of thy mighty deeds!

Fanning survived but a few hours, and then a well-aimed ball laid low
forever his noble head. Who among us can calmly remember that his
body was denied a burial? Oh, thou martyr leader of a martyr band, we
cherish thy memory! dear to the heart of every Texan, every American,
every soldier, and every patriot. Peace to thee, noble Fanning! and
may the purest joys of heaven be yours in that eternity to which we
all are hastening.

* * * * *

It was noon! Still and cold lay the four hundred forms upon the Plaza.
Even as they sank, so they slept. No disturbing hand had misplaced
one stiffened member. The silence of death reigned around the murdered
band. A muffled figure swiftly stole down the now deserted streets,
and hurrying to the Plaza, paused and gazed on the ruin and wre