r REESE LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. Class '^5" 5* Jbrr. f 11 nil if M ^ IP m m ^ ^ BlAfi. SI ^nU M t%^ ^sm^wami. BY DR. J. H, ROBINSON. BOSTON: F. GLEASON'S PUBLISHII^G HALL, CORNER OF BROMFIELD AND TREMONT STREETS. 1852. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1852, hy F. Gleason, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. Publisher's Note. — The following Novellette was originally published in The Flag of ocr Union, and is but one among the many deeply interesting productions emanating from that source. The Flag has attained to a circulation unriralled in newspaper literature ; its contributors form a coi-ps of the finest talent in the land, and its romances, tales, and poetical gems are of a high order, and such as enrich the columns of no other publication. 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TERMS TO SUBSCRIBERS. 1 subscriber, one year, . . . . . . . . . $2 00 3 subscribers, " ........ 5 00 4 " " . . . . . . . . . 6 00 8 " '= ....... 11 00 16 " " 20 00 D^ One copy of the Flag of our Union, and one copy of the Pictorial Drawing-Room Companion, one year, for ...... . . $5 00 Q^ Invariably in advance. No further reduction made from the above terms. Subscribers or postmasters are requested to act as agents, and form clubs, on the above terms. *^* All orders should he addressed, post paid, to the Publisher of The Flag of our Union. \X^ The Flag can be obtained at any of the newspaper depots in the United States, and of newspaper rriers, at four cents per copy. ■ Of THE \ UWtVERSITV I Of J TW^ i^ Tl CHAPTER I. THE ALAMO WALTER ETUINGTOX. •^f^HE first beams of the morning sun were [I saluting the " Lone Star." A man of about forty years of age, -wearing the uniform of a Texan officer, was standing motionless upon the margin of a prauie, not far from the Colora- do river ; it was the gencral-in-chief of the forces raised to repel the invasions of the "Napoleon of the West," and shake off a despotism revolt- ing to men deeply imbued with republican sen- timents. The general had received tidings from Colonel Travis, in command of Fort Alamo, San Antonio de Bexar, that he was besieged by overwhelming numbers, and could not long maintain his position unless reinforcements were speedily sent to his relief ; and he had added that while the Alamo held out and successfully resisted the enemy, signal guns should be filled at sunrise every morning. The colonel had redeemed his promise, and for many consecutive days the booming of dis- tant cannon had been heard rolling over the prairies with a mournful sound, as if heralding the fate of the devoted garrison. General Houston, after accepting the command, which had been tendered him for tlie second time, and addressing a patriotic speech to the convention (which took the place of the provisional govern- ment) at Washington, mounted his horse, and without loss of time rode towards Bexar. For several mornings he had heai-d the signal guns which were to assure the friends of the cause of Texas that the Alamo was yet in the hands of Travis and his men. At the jimcture to which we have referred, he was in the act of listening with intense interest to catch the low thunder of the distant ordnance. It was in vain that he bent forward and placed his ear to the ground ; the sounds which would have been so welcome did not reach him. It was the hour when he had been bidden to ex- pect the signal guns, and lie felt assured that his sense of hearing, rendered acute by long practice, had not failed in this instance. With a dejected countenance he returned to the spot where he had left his party, mounted his horse and went forward in the direction of Bexar as fast as practicable. Early on the following morning he again Iw- 8 THE TEXAN BRAVO. tenecl anxiously for tlie signal, but with no Let- ter success. While thus engaged other sounds attracted his attention. He heard horses ap- proaching at a gallop, and in a moment they came in sight ; two in number. The foremost was ridden by a white man of goodly figure ; the other by a negro of gigantic proportions. Both were begriramed with powder, dust, and gmoke, and their clothes were torn and stained with blood, while the perspiration was streaming from the flanks of their overtaxed steeds. The general instinctively laid his hand upon his side arms as he hailed the approaching horse- men. " Are you friends, or foes ?" " Either," responded the man in advance, in a careless tone. " A friend, if you intnide not upon my rights — a foe, if you wrong me." " That is according to the great law of nar ture," answered the general. " It is the motto of the free sons of the forest. But be more definite. Do you fight beneath the red banner of the 'Lone Star,' or where the flag of the Dictator of Mexico is thrown out to the breeze ?" " I am from the Alamo," replied the other. " From the Alamo !" exclaimed the general, quickly. " I was just listening to hear the sig- nal guns." " You will listen long ere you hear them; their thunders are silenced forever, and the gal- lant hearts that manned them arc cold in death." " In the name of Heaven, tell me all without delay !" cried the general, greatly excited. " What has been the fate of Travis, and Crock- ett, and Bowie, and their brave followers?" "Death, sir!" said the horseman, clenching his fist, and setting his teeth hard together. " They have been murdered in cold blood, and after they had capitulated." "How many escaped the slaughter?" asked the general, in a suppressed voice. " Myself and servant, and a woman with a child in her arras, are all that survive to tell the story of Mexican duplicity." " A band of braver men never trod the earth," said the general, turning suddenly from the horseman and dashing a tear from his eye. " Peace to their souls in that land where there is no oppression, and where the white flag of peace waves eternally." " Amen, from the deepest fountains of my heart," responded the stranger. " Would to Heaven they had listened tome," continued Houston, sorrowfully ; " blo\vn up the fort and retired to Gonzales. But far be it from me to reproach them ; they acted as they thought for the best, and no doubt left marks of their prowess upon the enemy." " They fought nobly, sir." " By what miracle did you and your servant escape?" " Those who seek death, seldom find it," re- turned the horseman. " Are you then weary of life?" asked the general, regarding him attentively. ' ' I have sought an honorable death on many a hard fought field ; let that be my answer. At the Alamo it was my fortune to save the life of a young Mexican lad, and for that service I was spared the general massacre. I regret it but little, for when I fall I would fall with arms in my hands, with my face to the foe, and not be slaughtered like an ox by some paltry coward who would fear to meet me in fair fight. My brave companions were cut down around me }»y scores, until not one remained 1)ut this faithful African who is with me, and I could only look on and witneas the indi.scriminate slaughter, and call on Heaven for vengeance." " A day of reckoning .shall come !" cried the general, grasping his sword liilt, while his nether lip trembled with indignation. "I will meet the tyrant face to face, and punish him for his sins." "The news I bring should rally every man m Tqxas, capable of bearing arms." "It should ; but there are unfortunate divi- sions among us which bring us more misfortimes than any other cause ; but thank Heaven, there are those who will follow me to battle, and do all that their country and the warmest patriot- ism can demand." " Have I the honor of addressing the gencral- iu-chief of the Texan army ?" THE TEXAN BRAVO. 9 "My name is Houston, sir." " A name already well known to fame ; but there are those who affirm that you are opposed to prosecuting an energetic war, such as the present crisis requires." " Let those who assert that I am opposed to decisive measures, shoulder their guns and fol- low me ; and he who is the first to tm-n back, let posterity brand him a coward, and a traitor to his country." " I believe not all the tales I have heard. That you are a brave man, has been proved to the world. I shall keep myself advised of your movenicuts as much as possible, and when there is fighting to be done, I shall be neai* you to take pai't in it." "Your bold bearing, your free speech, your soiled and blood-stained garments all assure me that you can fight. May I ask the name of one who braves death so fearlessly?" " My name can be of little consequence to you, but it were uncourteous not to give a fitting answer. I am called Ethington ; but I care not to be known, or would be known only by my deeds." " "Brave men should not give place to mis- anthropy, because, forsooth, the lady of their love has proved fickle or unkind. Away with melancholy, sir, for fortune seldom forsakes one not to return again." " The advice is frankly given and well meant ; but I regret to say that upon one like me, it is tin-own away. I hope, in return, that you will never live to tarnish the fame which you have won, and that you may finish the bright career before you with honor unsullied by a single act of cowardice or indiscretion." " The word cowardice is offensive, sir. What- ever changes time may produce, it will fail to make me a coward," said the general, contract- ing his brows. " You shall have war, and war to the knife. I say it — Sam Houston says it — and no man can say these lips ever uttered a falsehood."* ' ' Texas looks to you for aid in this trying * Language like this has been attributed to the Jiero of San Jacinto. crisis ; Heaven grant that she look not in vain. Adieu, general, and when next we meet, may it be where the banner of the ' Lone Star ' waves triumphantly on the field of battle." Ethington touched his cap and moved on, followed by the negro. Houston gazed after him for a moment, and then turning slowly, walked back to his party, with the sorrowful in- telligence that the Alamo had fallen, and the devoted gai-rison was no more. [see engraving.] "Felix," said Ethington, to his colored ser- vant. " Did you spoke to dis culhid gembleman, massa?" said the latter, rolling up the whites of his eyes. "Do you know where we are ?" asked Ething- ton. " Li course I do." "Well, where are we?" "Li Texas, accordin' to de rules ob jography as dey manifest theirselves to de invisable seiLses ob dis enlightened nigger." " Nonsense, you thick-headed fellow. I mean in what particular locality are we?" " Now you begin to 'press yourself to de un- derstandin' ob dis here indervidooal ; but I can't tell you noffin about it ; 'kas why I never studied dar fine arts. Why didn't you ax de big capen' wid de elephants on his shoulders?" "Epaulettes, you mean." " What's de odds ; dey all magnify dar same ting, 'cordin' to de enlightened views ob dis 'telligent darkey." " We must be near the Colorado river," add- ed Ethington, musingly. " Now look a here, massa. I'm got enuff ob dis fightin' bisness ; and I motion dat we leave Mcxus and Texico by dar fu.st boat. Why don't you disremember dat discompassionate white gal, and go an be as you used to wji-s?" " Be careful how you .speak of Andrea St. Aubert, Felix. Her name, in my presence, must be spoken with respect." " She'll be dar death ob dis nigger," said Felix, with a sigh. " If it hadn't been for her, 10 THE TEXAN BRAVO. you wouldn't been here In all dese scrapes, fightin' like wild cats, and I at your heels, like- ly to be killed any minnit." " I did not ask you to follow me ; I gave you your choice to go or stay." " Darfore you am to blame, for you knew dis darkey feller wouldn't leave you. Whar you go, dar dis nigger goes, and dar's no rubbin' it out, no how you can fix it. Yah, yah ? heah, heah !" " You are a faithful fellow, Felix, and it goes against my better feelings to lead you into dan- ger. Should you fall, I should, in some meas- ure, feel that I was the cause of yoiu: death. Once more I give you free permission to leave me and seek a place of safety. As for myself, I seek excitement, danger, battle and death." " You ean't be killed no how ; you might as well give it up fust as last. Why wasn't you killed at the takin' of Bexar, or Goliad, and at other great fights dat you've been in ? As for leavin' you, I have 'spressed myself fully on dat 'portant subjeck, and de natur' ob my sen- timents remains dar same through all changes ob dar climate and wicisitudes ob dar weather." The parties rode on in silence for some dis- tance. The sound of water was at length heard and they soon reached the Colorado, whose banks were fringed with broad woodlands, broken into bold bluffs, or covered with grass, bordering upon prairies and affording pasturage, where the wild mustang, the deer and the buffalo were often seen. The horses were turned loose, and Ethington and his servant took peaceable possession of a small cabin near the river, which had evidently been occupied by some person quite recently. Felix kindled a fire, and Ethington took his rifle and went in quest of game, for neither had tasted food since the previous day. CHAPTER II. RIDGLEY OLD KENTUCK THE SCOUTING PARTY A SKIRMISH. T will be understood by tlie perusal of tbe foregoing chapter, that our hero had met witli some severe disappointment in matters per- taining to the heart, which had driven him from his home and friends, and made him a reckless wanderer in the wilds of Texas. The particular circumstances which had led to these results shall be made known to the read- er in due time. It is enough for the present purpose to say that he had been deeply enamor- ed with a young lady, by the name ot Andrea St. Aubert, and for a brief period had firmly believed that his passion was reciprocated. Miss St. Aubert was endowed with rai-e beauty of person, and those excellent gifts of the mind which are calculated to charm and dazzle those withm the sphere of its influence. Walter Ethington was at length, as he believed, undeceived in relation to the object of his idol- atry (for his love fell little short of adoration). He obtained such proofs of her inconstancy that he felt all was at an end between them. Ad- dressing her a hasty note, full of reproaches for her perfidy, he left Louisiana, his native State, determmed never to return, but to unite his fortunes to the Texan patriots who were strug- gling for their liberties, and die like a brave man fighting to the last. The cup of his short-lived happiness was dash- ed to the earth, and he desii-ed to live no long- er. His negro servant refused to desert him, and had shared all the dangers of his reckless career since entering Texas. He had been in many engagements, fought boldly, and exposed himself rashly to the enemy ; but strange to re- late, had, miraculously as it would almost seem, escaped death ; and to crown all had passed, through the terrible tragedy of the Alamo, un- scathed, while over one hundred and eighty men had fallen. Walter Ethington was about twenty-four years of age, and had been pronounced " hand- some " by the ladies, who are competent judges in such matters, as every man of gallantry will allow. In figure he was rather above the me- dium size, straight as an arrow, firm and inde- pendent in his bearing. He was brave in bat- tle, and liis voice was the first to c'.ieer on to 12 THE TEXAN BRAVO. the thickest of the fight. Without farther de- scription of our hero, we will proceed with our story. Having examined his rifle to see if it were in proper order, he followed the general course of the river througli a dense forest of live oak and walnut, occasionally interspersed with the ash and sycamore, pausing at intervals to watch the waters hurrying on to be discharged into the Grulf of Mexico. Emerging from the wood after half an hour's walk, he stood on the border of a small, rolling prairie, green with grass and shrul)bery. At that moment he saw a deer quietly browsing at the distance of about three hundred yards. Ethington was a good marks- man, and though conscious that it was a long shot, resolved to fire without incurring the risk of losing the opportunity by attempting to get nearer. He discharged his piece witliout lo.ss of time, and had the satisfaction of seeing the deer run a short distance and ^fall. Having reloaded his rifle, he was proceeding to take possession of his game, when tlio .sound of paddles, dipping quickly and regularly into the water, readied hLs ears. The bank of the river was but a few paces from hun, but when he reached it, a small boat had touched the shore, and a tall man had leap ed out, leaving a lad seated upon the middle thwart. The person who had landed was pro- bably past thirty years of age, not very fleshy, but muscular enough to indicate much physical strength. His features, though tanned by ex- posure, were regular, strongly marked and bold in their expression. His apparel was of coarse, home-made fal)ric, calculated more for service than show. His cap was of skin, and though not an ornamental one, served all the purposes of the wearer. In his hand he held that indis- pensable attendant of the backwoodsman — a rifle. The one who still occupied the boat, ap- j)eared to be a mere lad, of perhaps thirteen or fourteen years, and Walter did not trouble him- self to bestow much notice upon him. The man ascended the bank and approached Ethington. " Again we meet, but I regret to see you have not profited by my advice," he said, with some coldness of manner. " I have not, neither did I intend to," re- plied Walter. " Why you take the liberty to interest yourself in my affairs, I know not ; but I will assure you, as I did at our first meeting, that I thank yau not for your interference. By some means. Heaven knows how, you have ob- tained some knowledge of my past life, and have presumed to make use of it under the mask of friendship, disinterested, and all those fine things ; but you are mistaken in your man. I know my own mind, and am pleased to follow my own mcliuations. " " Headstrong boy, how long will it be ere you listen to the voice of reason ? Whatever friendship I might have professed to feel for you, on the occasion of our first meeting, was real and not affected, and is in nowise duninished to-day. What if you do not understand the motives which have impelled me to interest my- self in your welfare. Judge me as you find me, according to my actions, and not according to your own prejudices. Go back to Andrea St. Aubert, whom you have basely forsaken, and upon your knees beg to be forgiven, and rein- stated in her favor." ' ' Never, sir ! I have had sufiicicnt proofs of her inconstancy, and to speak farther upon this subject will be to oflfer me a personal af- front." " Were Andrea St. Aubert to declare with her ovrn fair lips that she had sacredly kept her faith to you, would you believe her, or would you notV" added the stranger, somewhat sternly. " How could I believe her, sir, when I have the evidence of my own eyes. Leave me ; I tell you I will hear no more. Go and give your advice to yonder beardless boy ; he will perhaps li.sten to you. When I need your counsel, I will seek you out and ask it boWly ; until then, do not forget that we are strangers." Walter spoke with much energy and bitter- ness, and when he had cea.sed turned his back towards the unknown and was walking away. " One word more before we part. You are in danger," added the man, earnestly. >?^^^ ^f. > i^^ WALTER ETHINGTOX, THE TEXAN BRAVO. SEE CHAPTER I. PAGE 9. THE TEXAN BRAVO. 15 " So are all men ; but I have ceased to fear danger." " ±}ut It IS near — even at the door, to use a scriptural phrase . ' ' " So much the better ; let it come. Any- thing is better than monotony and inactivity." " There are those wlio seek your life." " Let them take it ; for it has lost its value." " You will not be warned ?" " I tha}ik you not for this ofEciousness. Per- haps your offers are well meant ; I know not and care less. I am not in a reasonable mood, and have no desire to be otherwise. I have be- come indifferent to all the common affairs of life. Deceived where I trusted tlie most, I no longer lay myself liable to deception by tmsting again. Unloved where I loved the most ten- derly, I no longer bestow my love upon those who are no better, and but dust and ashes, like her and myscli'. If I appear rude and ungrate- ful, you know why I am so, and thus have the reason of my ingi-atitude and rudeness. To warn wie of danger is time lost, for it is what you term ' danger ' that I seek ; and if you will inform me in wliat direction to find it, there will I hasten to meet it, and feel a pleasure in doing so." " The rash boldness that has signalized you in the hour of battle, has attracted the attention of the enemies ef Texas, and a certain number of them under the command of one Garcia, a desperate fellow, have devoted themselves to the task of destroying the ' Texan Bravo,' as you are styled among them," said the unknown, without heeding the remarks of Ethington. " That suits me well," replied Walter, with a smile. "It will afford me excitement, and give me an opportunity to merit the name they have bestowed upon me. Let them come — the ' Texan Bravo ' is ready ; my life shall cost them a dozen of their best men. Sorrow to him who comes within the range of this rifle, for these ' sights ' never cover their object in vain. And see, if they venture to close quarters, here are my pistols and bowie knife, ready to receive them ; while my arms have the physical power of three such cowardly fellows." " This is sheer madness," said the stranger. " To say more is useless. I abandon you to your fate." " Allow me to ask the name of such a disin- terested friend," added Ethuigton, somewhat sarcastically. " My name is Ridgley," replied the other, then walked thouglitfully towards the boat, puslied it from the shore, stepped in, took his seat in the stern, and paddled down the stream with the lad. Walter looked after them a moment, and then went to take possession of his game. Cutting the choicest portions from the deer, he placed them upon his shoulders, and retraced his steps to the cabin. Felix now performed his part, and very soon they were- dining upon roasted venison, which emitted a most savory odor, es- pecially for the olfactories of a hungry man. When Ethington had satisfied the demands of hunger, he laid down by the blazing fii-e and slept. He was not long permitted to enjoy this luxury uninterrupted. He was aroused from his dreams by Felix, who affirmed that he had seen a man in the vicinity of the cabin, who ap- peared to reconnoitre the premises without being seen. This suspicious individual, he further- more asserted, was a Mexican, and was lurking about for no good. Ethington endeavored to assuage the fears of his servant, teUing him that his imagination, ex- cited by the horrors he had recently witnessed, had transformed some wild animal into a Mexi- can scout. But in this benevolent effort he en- tirely fiiiled. Felix could by no means be in- duced to believe for a moment that he had made such a mistake. Our hero now recalled the warning words of Ridgley, and resolved to watch for the appear- ance of the object of his servant's alarm. Hav- ing prevailed on the latter to lie down and take the rest he so much needed, Walter took his rifle, and from the crevices on either side of the cabin, commenced his vigils. For a long time he kept liis eyes fixed upon the surrounding woods witliout nuJving any dis- coveries. This iiionutonous cmp!(iyiiicnt soon 16 THE TEXAN BllAYO. had its effect upon liim ; the lids fell slowly over the drowsy orbs, and he lost all consciousness of passing events. He was awakened from this happy state of somnolency, Ly the sound of heavy footsteps. He looked up and belield a man in buckskin breeches, short hunting frock, moccasons, and a seal-skin cap, stooping forward to enter the cabin. " Where are you from, and what is your pur- pose?" exclaimed Ethington, cocking his rifle. " I was raised in Old Kentuck, stranger, I'm half boss and half alligator. I belong to one o' the smartest nations on the face of the airth. Give us a chaw of tobacco," said the in- truder, in an off hand way. " I don't use the weed, but I believe my black fellow does," said Walter. " Get up, Snowball," added the Kentuckian, giving Felix a push with his foot. " Get up, and shell out some Cavendish, and set the meat to roastin'. I'm as hungry as a shark." " Did you 'dress yourself to dLs colltid pus- sonV said Felix, rubbing his eyes in astonish- ment. " Stir yourself, darkey, or I'll give you a taste of Old Kentuck." Then he added, turn- ing to Ethington : " Stranger, have you been long in these diggins?" " Several months," was the reply. " Been in any lights V" "A few." " Can you stand fire ?" "A little." " Cut off a sparrow's head at three hundred yards with a rifle?" " Never tried." " I have, and can do it. I'm a whole team and a dog under the wagon. Did you ever hear of the Texan Rangers?" . " Often, sir." " They are perfect bosses, stranger, and I'm the alligator as connuands 'em. Do you see this hollow piece of steel V It carries ten balls to the pound, and is sartain death."* * It is affirmed that Captain Ewin Cameron, of the Mier Expedition, had a rifle that carried ten balis to the pound. " How many does your company number?" " Only twenty-five now; the rest on 'em are in the chapparels and on the prairies, where they fell fighting like true sons of Kentucky." " You and your ' Rangers ' were at the tak- ing of San Antonio de Bexar?" " Right, stranger, and there was warm work there, I tell you ; for the place was defended by eleven hundred men. We were at the battle preceding it, at Conception Mission, and did good service. Was you at the taking of the Alamo, stranger?" " I was, and was there also when it was lost, and witnessed the butchery of my brave com- rades in arms." " You don't mean to say that the Alamo has been re-taken by the Mexicans?" "It's too true, my brave friend, and those who fought side by side with yom* 'Rangers,' will hear the thunders of battle no more." The bold ranger was speechless with surprise and grief, and uttered not a word until Ething- ton had given the particulars of the sad affair. He then swore l)y the State of Kentucky, and the " 'tarnalest groat Republic in the world," to avenge the death of those who had been treacherously slaughtered at Fort Alamo. '' Go yer detli, mas.sa Kentuck!" exclaimed Felix, who, while' cooking the venison, did not forget to listen to the conversation. " Where is your company?" a.sked Walter. "A few miles below, restin' a little after hard ser\ice." Our hero now informed liini about what Felix had seen, and the ranger ad- vised him to have their horses bi-Dught in, to guard against their being stolen by any scouting parties of the enemy that might be lurking about that vicinity. This advice was too reasonable to be slighted. The animals were soon caught by Felix, and with the assistance of the Ken- tuckian, secured in a proper manner in frcmt of the cabin. When* Ethington awoke in the morning, after a refreshing sleep, which he had very much needed, he was greatly astonished at finding a gold chain of elaborate workmanship wound liglitly about his wrist, with a small piece of paper attached to it. THE TEXAN BRAVO. 17 He recognized the ornament at a glance, for he had in happier days given it to Andrea St. Aubert. But how came it in its present situa- tion ? By what magic had it been returned to him ? Perhaps the paper would tell. He has- tened to examine it, and found only the follow- ing words traced in the fair hand of Andrea : " This chain once possessed inestimable value for one ; but has now lost its worth, and I res- tore it to the original owner." This was all the paper contained, and there was no signature, but the chirography could not be mistaken. As Ethington gazed at the chain, the past was recalled with such vividness, that he found it exceedingly difficult to govern his emotions. He heard once more, in imagination, the soft voice of Andrea, beheld her face in its dazzling beauty, and her figure in its exquisite grace. He shed tears as he thought of her love- liness both of person and mind, and grew indig- nant as he remembered her inconstancy. "0, Andrea I" he exclaimed, "fair, but false, may Heaven forgive you for tht anguish you have caused me." Ethington's thoughts naturally led him to consider by what singular means the chain and note had been returned ; but upon that interest- ing point he was obliged to content himself with mere conjecture. He finally settled down into the opinion which appeared the most reasonable, that Andrea had employed some person to re- store the ornament, and that person had faith- fully performed the commission. Walter would have pondered upon this subject all day, most probably, hadipiot Captain Wilson, the ranger, who had left the cabin at sunrise, now returned with the information that a scouting party of the enemy, numbering some ten or fifteen per- sons, were in the neighborhood. He had ap- proached the spot where they had passed the night, and discovered them engaged in prepar- ing and eating their morning meal. " If I'd had but half a dozen of the Rangers with me," said Wilson, looking wistfully at his rifle, "few of 'em would have escaped to eat another breakfast." "Have the enemy ever ventured so far as here before?" asked Ethington. " Seldom or never; but they're gettin' un- commonly bold now. The affair of the Alamo gives the 'tarnal critters the idea that they've conquered all the country ; but they'll find themselves mistaken when they get a fair speci- men of Kentucky sharp-shoot in'. What do you say to having a bru.sh with the rascals?" "Nothing could be more agreeable," replied Walter, " for I have reason to suppose that I am the object of their pursuit. I have been told that some of our enemies have taken par- ticular offence at my mode of fighting, and have sworn to accomplish my death." " Then you are the boss they call the Texan Bravo?" rejoined the ranger, quickly. " I believe I have been thus called," answer- ed Walter; " but it is a title I never coveted for I have not, and do not seek notoriety. I wish to remain unknown, and such has been my desire since I passed the boundary of my native State." " I have heard about your fightin'," said Wilson, " and they say there is a great deal of the wild boss in you, with a small sprinklin' of the Kentucky alligator and snappin' turtle." " Yah, yah ! heah, heah ! What a querious speciment ob human natur !" exclaimed Felix displaying two rows of ivory. " In what way do you propose to fight this scouting party, Captain Wilson?" asked Wal- ter. " I will tell you the plan I have thought of; you and I will mount the two bosses, and ride near enough to attract their attention, and then fly from them as though we were riding for dear life. Thinking we are frightened, they will mount and pursfle us pell-mell. We will make a break directly for the cabin, take our bosses inside, shut and bar the door, and then shoot them down through the crevices as fast as tlicy show their heads." " The scheme pleases me; let us hasten to put it in execution." " Go it, massa debbil !" muttered Felix, not greatly elated at the prospect of a hard fight. 18 THE TEXAN BRAVO. " But first, let us see if we can get the horses inside this door," added Walter. Upon trial, the door was found large enough to admit the horses without difficulty. The two then mounted, and rifle in hand rode off, the ranger leading the way. A ride of ten minutes brought them within a few hundred yards of the scouting party. Turning a little towards the prairie on the right, they came suddenly in sight of the enemy, who set up a great shout, and sprang instantly upon their mustangs, which were standing saddled and bridled near them. Ethington and Wilson now turned and fled, as had been agreed upon, and thereupon ensued a scampipring and scattering of the wildest and most exciting kind. They put then- mustangs to their best speed, and a dozen escopetas were discharged in as many seconds ; but the balls fell short, or whistled harmlessly by the pur- sued. " HuiTah for Old Kcntuck I" cried the ran- ger, and slackening his speed, brought his rifle to his face and fired. A stout fellow tumbled from his .seat, and the riderless mustang, not knowing what else to do, kept on Avith the rest, and being relieved of his burden, made the best headway of any. Ethington, not wishing to be outdone b^' the " alligator, from Kentucky," followed his example with equal success. . The.se feats greatlj^ enraged their pursuers. They yelled with redoubled energy, and urged on their mustangs witli new zeal ; but the large, fine animals ridden by Walter and the captain, easily kept out of range of the escopetas. In order to prolong the sport (for such they con- sidered it) , they had diverged considerably from a direct course towards the cabin, and they now saw, with some alarm, that several of their ene- mies were making directly for the place of their retreat, apparently for the purpose of cutting them off; which event would leave them only the alternative of trusting to the fleetness of their horses, and throw Felix into their power. Both of our friends perceived the importance of frustrating this design, lost the negro should pay the penalty of their rashness with his life ; a calamity which Ethington would have greatly regretted, and a poor reward for the fidelity which had induced him to follow his unhappy master into the swamps, chapparels and prairies of Texas, to urge war upon a people destitute of honor and humanity. " Let us charge through the foremost of the cowardly curs !" cried Ethington. Turnin'g the heads of their powerful horses in another direction, slinging their rifles upon their backs, and grasping their pi.stols, they bore down upon the Mexicans at an increased speed. This sud- den manoeuvre took them by surprise, as they had not supposed it possible that two men could have the audacity to charge a dozen. Before they had time to reflect much upon the subject, Ethington and the ranger were in their midst, overturning several of their small mustangs by the violence of the charge. Firing their pistols at the nearest, they da.«hed on with- out a wound or a scratch, and in three minutes from that time were safely in the cabin, much to the .satisfiiction of Felix, who had heard the screaming and yelling of the enemy, and ex- pected every moment to .';ce them thundering up to the door. The horses were led in, the door baiTicaded in a proper manner, and other pre- parations for defence made. These necessary •preliminaries were scarcely accomplished, when the enemy came in sight, upon the most open side of the little fort^ — that which bordered upon a small prairie or tract of pasture land. They halted about two hundred yards from the cabin, and appeared to be holding a council of' war. " Sec the 'tarnal critters I" exclaimed Wil- son, angrily ; " huddled together like a flock o' sheep. If they were Kentuckitms or Tcxans, we shouldn't stand no chance at M of our lives; for they'd pull this log hut down about our cars in a twinklin'. Let's give 'em a touch of American shooting." "Go it, massa Kentuck I" cried Felix, get- ting somewhat excited with the idea of knock- ing a Mexican out of his saddle, without giving him tune enougli to say an ave, or a pater nos- ter. Their rifles were thrust carefully through the crevices which were to serve as port holes. The Mexicans were busily engaged in talking, shouting and gesticulating. THE TEXAN BRAVO. 19 " They are calling upon us to surrender," sulci the ranger, with a laugh. " And hear them ; they are promlsijig us good u.sage." '^ Hadn't we better surrender?" said "Wal- ter, gravely, looking at Felix. " We got euuff ob dat !" rcplied-Felix, with a dismal shake of the head, '"©is nigger's going to fight." " Look through your sights !" cried the ran- ger. " Each pick his man and pull trigger." No sooner said than executed ; the rifles cracked simultaneously ; two of them fell from their saddles, and a thu'd gave evidence of being badly if not mortally wounded. He was lifted from his horse, carried farther from the cabin, and laid upon the grass. The enemy now re- treated about a hundred yards, brandishing their weapons, and uttering all kinds of impreca- tions upon our heroes. Their courage now seemed to revive a little ; they galloped furiously towards the Texans, and discharged then' escopates against the logs, shouting bravely, and scampered back to their last position out of rifle range, as they flattered themselves. The balls showerefl harmlessly upon the cabin, doing no other injury than mak- ing the splinters fly merrily, and frightening their horses. "I wish we could pick off the leader," said Wilson. " The rest of them would then go about their business." " That will be difiicult ; for the one who ap- pears to be the leader, keeps himself covered by his men," replied Walter. Again the deadly rifles were levelled and sent forth their leaden messengers with uner- ring certainty. Astonished beyond description by this specimen of Texan marksmanship, the scouting party wheeled their horses to the right about face, and were soon beyond the reach of fire-arms. Walter, with that reckless courage which liad characterized all his movements since he had led that singular life, proposed that they should mount their horses and pursue the retreating party ; but this rash movement was opposed by Wilson and Fehx, particularly by the latter, who felt anxious for his own safety as well as his master's, conserpently the idea was aban- doned. \ CIL4PTER III. A RUSE DE GUERRE— THE CONFLICT RENEWED. aN a short time several of the enemy appeared bearing a white fljig ; and not daring to Ven- ture very near, hy screaming and hallf>oing, signified that they wished to carry off their dead and wounded. This they were permitted to do without interntption ; but the Imsiness appejired to proceed very slnwly, and they returned sev- eral times, when it might reasonably have been supposed they could have accomplished the ta.sk in less than half the time. Supposing that the fighting was ended. Felix began to unbar the door, under the impression that farther precaution was unnecessary. He had scarcely removed the fostenings, when there was a sudden rush from the woods upon the rear of the cabin, and renewed shouting and firing. While the others had been attracting the attention of Ethington and his comrades, these had been advancing cautiously on foot in another direction ; and now threw themselves against the door with a violence that burst it open instantly. The two foremost fell dead upon the threshold before the rifles of Walter and the ranger, and the head of a third was dashed in pieces by a tremendous blow from Felix. The ruse having proved thu.s successful, those who had been ostens^ibly engaged in carry- ing away the wounded, now came running to the assistance of their companions, and a most desperate and bloody conflict immediately en- sued. The numbers of the enemy had not been correctly estimated ; for, notwithstatiding those that they had lost, and those rendered incapable of fighting by their wounds, there were still eleven to contend with our gallant fellows. " Strike home !" cried Ethington. "HuiTafor oldKentuckT' exclaimed Wil- son. " Give it to the 'tarnal critters 1" " Go yer deth, massa debbil I" yelled Felix, exerting his gigantic strength in a manner which defied all opposition, and forced the enemy, to give ground inch by inch, leaving several of their numbers hore du combat, and some who would never fight again. As there was not room enough in the cal»in for them to use their clubbed rifles with sufficient effect, they were thrown aside, and that fatal weapon drawn, so THE TEXAN BRAVO. 21 well known in the south and southwest — the bowie-knife — and the work of slaughter com- menced in earnest. It was fortunate for our heroes that all the enemy could not enter and fall upon them at once ; otherwise the conflict might soon have been brought to a clo:-e. The horses, frightened at the struggle going on about them, became restive, reared and plunged, and finally broke through the Mexicans, who were forcing themselves in at tlie door, and gained the open air, leaving more room within for the fight to go on. This sudden movement of the terrified beasts somewhat disconeeiled the enemy, but soon proved for their advantage ; in a moment after Ethington and his friends were completely hem- med in, and there seemed but little prospect of their coming out of the melee alive. Each did liis best, and with the much dreaded bowie-knife, dealt those deadly thmsts which tell so fearfully upon the body of an adversary, and which baffle so effectually the skill of the surgeon. But the strongest arm is not iron, and must feel at length that weariness consequent upon long exertion ; and it grew evident that a con- flict so unequal could not last nmch longer. The Mexicans became more cautious as their numbers decreased, and though they fought des- perately, observed more prudence in their as- saults. Felix and an athletic fellow had gi'ap- pled with each other in an embrace which was to yield only to the embraces of death, on onp side or the other, and were now upon the ground, struggling with all the fury of mortal hate. They rolled over and over, writhed^ twisted, and mutually strained every nerve, while two or three of the enemy stood with uplifted swords to put an end to the conflict when an opportu- nity should offer ; but the evolutions of the com- batants were so rapid, that they could not strike without endangering their comrade. At length the sti-ong hand of Felix found its way to his adversary's throat, and closed upon it with all its muscular force. The effect was instantaneous ; the arms of the Mexican relax- ed their hold, his face grew purple, his limbs 2 straightened out, and the next moment the knife of the African was sheathed in his heart. The conqueror cast the body from him. arose with a triumphant shout, and engageil with two more with unabated ferocity and energy ; for his frame seemed proof against that exliaustion whicli his master and the Kontuckian began to feel. At that critical juncture, when the fate of the day hung doubtful, a new shout was suddenly heard to mingle with the confused sounds of the fights — a voice cleai- as the tones of a silver trumpet, and fiercer than the neigh of a war- horse. Ethington glanced toward the door, and be- held the towering form of Ridgley dashing aside the enemy, as if they were mere chiklren in his way. " There's for the death of Travis, and Crock- ett, and Bowie !" he cried, dealing a blow with a good sized hunting axe, which ho wielded with ease, with his right hand, at the mention of each name. The fighting instantly ceased, and those who could do so, fled without loss of time. Six of the eleven were left behind, af- fording ample proofs of Texan prowess. "Up and away!" cried Bidgley. "There is not a moment to lose. Santa Anna, at the liead of five thousand men, is marching towai'ds Harrisburg. The van of the ai-my is already within an hour's marcli. If you would fight for Texas, join General Houston without delay." " Are you sure the blanketed critters are comin' V asked Wilson, eagerly, wlio with Walter and the negro had sunk dov/n well nigh exhausted, after the fight. "Yes, I am sure ; an4 a few days will de- cide the fate of the ' Lone Star,'" replied Ridgley. " Not if they had many such bosses as you are," added the ranger. " There's a quantity of the alligator and snappin' turtle about you, with a wholesome sprinklin' of Kentucky cata- mounts. Shouldn't wonder if you was raised in them parts?" Ridgley made no answer to the eomplinionta- ry speeches of Wilson. Ethington would gladly 22 THE TP]XAN BRAVO. have asked tae former if he had aiij knowledge of the means whereby the chain had been re- tm-ned, but his pride kept him silent upon the subject. With a cold and formal bow to our hero, Eidgley departed as abruptly as he had appeared. Ethington, not-vrithstanding the service which the Btrauger had rendered him, felt relieved when he had gone, for he feared he would again recur to Andrea, the object of his unhappy pas- sion, aud the cau.se of his leading a life so wild and erratic. He dared not tru.st himself to hear a name mentioned which he could not deny was still dear to him, lest it might revive and add new strength to a sentunent which he had sworn to conquer, though he could not hope to forgot. It was vnth. feelings of peculiar bitterness that he beheld once more the man who had boldly accused him of baseness in connection with Miss St. Aubcrt. Whether he was a real friend, Ethington had not yet decided ; but that he was brave, he could no longer doubt, for he had now seen him fight with heroic cour^' tigo. Walter had apprehended that Ridgley would take advantage of the service he had rendered, to speak to him again in relation to tlie subject of their two previous interviews ; and he was agreeably disappointed when he saw him turn and walk towards the river, with his long rifle upon his shoulder. Though still much exhausted, and smarting from the pain of several slight wounds, he could not resist the desire to watch him, and see which way he directed his foot.steps. He arose and followed him slowly to the bank of the Colorado, aud observed his movements — saw hun step into a boat aad paddle to the opposite bank; he then leaped out without loss of tine. As soon as his foot touched the shore, he saw the lad who had accompanied him on the occa- sion of their second interview, emerge from a thicket of willows. Upon closer scratiny, Ethington perceived two horses fa.steued there. Ridgley led them forth ; assisting his youthful companion to mount, and then leaped upon the other animal himself, and in a moment the parties were lost to view. Walter johied his companions, more thoughtful than usual, even for him. Felix had caught the horses, and was waiti^ his master's re-appearance, in order to depart. " Now," said Wilson, " I will lead the way, and in a few hours we will be with the Ranger?. The ground is rather rough and broken, and I can go as fast on foot, as you can safely travel on horseback." Ethington agi-eed to this arrangement, and they set fonvard down the river. When they reached Bastrop, they found that the Rangers had already passed over, and were awaitjng Captain Wilson on the opposite side. They were a fine company of men, well-mounted and accoutred, and were nothing daunted by the news of the hostile movements of the enemy. With three cheers for the " Lone Star," they vaulted into their saddles and were soon in m( « tiou. Before night set in, they joined the forces of General Houston, who was marching towards HarrLsburg to intercept the enemy and tffor him battle. The country was now completely alarmed, and helpless women and children were leaving their hitherto peaceful htun^to .«cck safety iu some other quarter. To add to the misfortunes of the times, the Convention had adjourned with the greatest precipitation fiom AVashington to Harrisburg, in order to secure their own safety ; or possibly because they believed it tlieir duty to do so, that the only semblance of a govern- ment in Texas might not fall into the hands of the dictator. Be this as it may, tlie flight of the Conven- tion greatly increa.sed the dangers of that period, inasmuch as it weakened tlie confidence of the people, and prevented tlie gatlioring of reinforce- ments for the anny. Elated Ijy their recent victories, the enemy were advancing in three columns to crush for- ever the hopes of the young republic. The centre was led by Santa Anna in person, from San Antonio de Bexar, intending to pa.ss through Gonzales, San Felipe, and Washington, on his route to Nacadoches. The other two columns, under Urrea and Gaono, were march- rilE TEXAN BRAVO. 23 ing forward by different routes, to effect a junc- tion of tlicir forces at the Comanche crossing, at Imnity river. Santa Anna, hearing that the Convention had adjourned to Harrisburg, changed his phms somewhat, and mai-chcd directly towards that place," with a view to the capture of the new government. The Texan army now numbered only about five hundred and t\^nty men, but was increased to seven hundred strong by the time they reached San Jacinto. Previous to that event, they had ^ceived the disheartening news, that Fannin and his men had been in- humanly massacred at Goliad. This piece of infonnation the general affected to treat with the greatest contempt, and assured his little band that it was a fabrication of the enemy, in order to frighten them into submission ; although he entertained no doubt in regard to the authen- ticity of the report. This policy on the part of Houston proved of great advantage, inasmuch as it prevented de- sertions among his men — an inevitable result, had the astounding news been allowed to spread through the camp uncontradicted. The general did not reach Harrisburg until it had been re- duced to ashes by Santa Anna. The army halted near the smoking ruins, and looked upon them with stern and threatening visages. " Look !" said Houston, to our hero ; "see the work of the tyrant and the assassm. What man is there among us who will not fight, after beholding such a spectacle?" " He is a craven indeed who will not fight for his liberty, his wife, his children, or his sweetheart," replied Ethington. " We are but a handful," returned the gen- eral ; "but we will meet the enemy and con- quer, or never leave the field alive. I will give yonder brave fellows a battle-cry which shall endow the ami of each with the strength of three of their adversaries. Let those who love Texas follow me in the apjffoaching fight, and if I shrink or falter in my duty, may Heaven pun- ish me upon the spot by the ignoble death I should so richly merit." " The man who fought so daringly at the Horse Shoe, can never be justly suspected of cowardice or want of decision," said Walter. "Without stooping to flattery," answered the general, with a smile, " I can well afford to repay the generous compliment ; for the bold deeds of the ' Texan Bravo ' are well known to me. I feel assured that you will set our men an example that wUl contribute towards the suc- cess of our arms. But," added Houston, in a friendly voice, " I learij with regret that some dai'k spirit of misanthropy has settled upon you ; and ift fact, that you are weary of exis- tence. This is not as it should be. A brave and chivalrous young fellow like you, should rise above disappointment, and be able to look misfortune unflinchingly in the face." " I thank you, general, for your kind words and benevolent intention, and I wiU only say in reply, that in the horn- of battle, you will find me at my post." " I doubt it not, sir," returned the general, kindly. ' ' There's a great deal of the wild hoss in him, with a choice sprinklin' of the alligator and snappin' turtle," remarked Captam Wilson, .who joined them at that moment. ' ' We shall soon need all those excellent qualities," said Houston, good naturedly. "I will answer for him and the Rangers." " \^n[ien you march us up to face the enemy, general, the voice of Old Kentuck will be heard the loudest in the fight," rejoined Wilson, earn- estly. " 'Spress yerself !" exclaimed Felix, exhibit- ing a choice collection of ivory. " Be silent !" said Ethington. "Can he fight?" asked Houston, regarding the atliletic frame of Felix with evident admira- tion. " There isn't a better man among us when it comes to blows," replied Walter. " Heah, heah !" or something of that nature W£is heard to escape the lips of the African. " He's capable of eating three Mexicans at a meal without butter or salt," observed the cap- tain of the Rangers. " Promulgate — go yer death, massa Ken- 24 THE TEXAN BRAVO. tuck," added Felix. " Allow your idees to be- come luminous. Heab, heah!" After some farther conversation, the general gave orders for the army to supply itself with three days' rations. This requisition having been complied with, the defenders of the " Lone Star" crossed the Bayou Buffalo, prepared to give battle to the enemy. Santa Anna was ad- vancing to cross the San Jacinto, and Houston took up a position in a copse, determined to dispute his farther progress. The enemy approached and opened upon them with a brass twelve pounder; but their fire was soon silenced by two six pounders (the only field pieces with which the Texans had been supplied), which succeeded in turning the Mex- ican infantry, forcing it to take shelter in* heary gi-owth of wood. Failing to bring on a general engagement, as he had intended, Santa Anna fell back about fifteen hundred yards, and began to strengthen his position by erecting fortifications near the Bay of San Jaaiito. Many of the Texan officers were in favor oT giving battle without delay ; but the cool head of Houston overruled this premature movement, and^another sun wa.s des- tined to set and rise on the yet bloodless field of San Jacinto. i!^ V- EAFim IV. f WIKOFF A CHALLENGE- LRIANNA A RIVAL. '^fjp'HE defenders of Texas rested upon their [|*^arms. When the sun -went down, and for some time after, the enemy's twelve pound-t er thundered upon their position, awakening the echoes of the adjacent hills and woodlands ; while the balls spent their fury upon the shel- tering trees, splintering their trunks and lop^ ping off their boughs. j After doubling the guard and taking all the precautions which a soldier of his experience* thought necessary to prevent a surprise, the general-in-chief wrapped himself in his military cloak, placed his saddle for a pillow, and feel- ing that he had done all which duty 'required, slept the warrior's sleep, undisturbed by the random shots of the enemy, dreaming of victory on the morrow. The gentle moon rode up into the starry skies, and the goddess of 6ilen(?e at length waved her misty wings over the two armies. Walter Ethington felt but little inclination to sleep. Seated upon one of the field pieces, he had kept his eyes fixed dreamily upon the dull camp fii-es of the hostile troops. The steady tread of the sentinels, the dissonant ringing of arms, and sometimes a hum of voices, was borne to his ears upon the whispering winds, from the ene- my's bivouac. Ethington'.* thoughts were not engaged with those objects upon which his at- *lention was apparently fixed. Andrea St. bert, with all those advantages of mind and on which had made him her humble wor- pper in days that were gone, was once more the subject of his meditations. Grieved and disappointed as he had been by what appeared to him her heartless perfidy, he could not deny that she was still dear to him, and that he o%n found himself dwelling with strange fondness (or infatuation) upon the past. He mechanically drew from his pocket the chain which had been so mysteriously restored to his possession. He sighed heavily as his eyes wandered over the shining links, for he re- membered the evening when he had playfully thrown it over the snowy neck of Andrea. While he held the chain in his hand, and was occupied j^ith these reflections, a hand was laid lightly upon his shoulder. 26 THE TEXAN BRAVO. I Ethington turned shaqily towards the in- truder. " It has been told me that you are weary of life," said the latter, abruptly. " Excuse me," replied Walter, coldly. " I haveliot the honor of your acquaintance." " You shall not long laljor under that di.«ad- vantage," added the other. " It is very possi- ble tluit you have never heard my name men- tioned ; but it is probable, should you survive this night and the next tweuty-four hours, you will never forget me during your life. My name is WikofF." " Well, sir, wliat i.s that to me ?" said E^ing- ton, impatiently. " I am the lover of Andrea St. Aubert, sequently wr rival ; and I am happy to add, your /rti'ojpR rival," rejoined Wikoff, boi profoundly. " I regret that slie lias made so pooi- a choi retorted Ethington, cahuly. " Is that all you have to say ?'' ask'ed \\jj^^ sueeringly. ^ " All I have to say hei-e ; but cross jonder hedge with me, ,aud I will speak to you iu aijoth- er way," said Ethington, witli difficulty rostra in« ji ing the deep resentment which tjj^ stranger's insulting words and manner had awakened. " Swords, pistols, or rifles V" asked WikofFi " Either," replied Walter. "1 am w indifferent as to the weapons." " We will try pistok, then." " Very well." k- " And the time V" " The sooner the better, for I am impatient to punish your insolence. No man has yet dared to speak the name of Andrea St. Aubert in t^e manner you have presumed to pronounce it to-night. Tkat you are some woi-tldess ad- venturer I doubt not ; but I will meet you, and perhaps chastise your arrogance, and tame your- presumption." " Let it be to-mon-ow night, if you survive the approaching conflict.'''' Wikoff laid partic- ular stress upon the last words of the sentence, and then added with a sinister smile, " It were pity to rob you of tlie glory of the anticipated i fight ! I should always regi-et it, I assure you. After the battle, meet me on the bank of -^w- der river, near that cluster of live oaks, with or without a friend, just as you choose. There is a delightful plat of gi'ass there, and a fall upon it would not be likely to break your bones, and may form a very easy couch for you to close up the last accom^s of life upon." " Of all t^TCs this would suit me best," re- plied Ethington. " The moon, aided by the stars, sheds liglit enough fur the purpose, and nothing can be gained by wasting time. How- ^ ever, I accede to your tenns, for to-morrow I would figlit for the ' Lone Stai-,' and a wound, n from an insolent adventurer, miglit prevent e from assisting in a struggle where every arm neec^^^^ ^n^pPr the place of meeting, for I would not lose^R oi>portunity of punisliing you for hav»»g *at d^ time in your life laid claim to tlie hand of Miss St. Aubert; a piece of pre- sumption I can never pardon." Etliington's blood boiled with' indignation, iHid he partly rai.sed his liand to strike down the intruder ; ^ut ma.'^tering his feelings witN^pow- rful cffjrt, he turned his back u})on "Wikoff and walked from him. An insulting laugli followed our hero, and worked up his fury to such an extent, he jsvas about to retrace his steps, and isc the offender on the spot ; but upon lf)oking in the direction where he had left him, he had dihai)pearcd. Here was another wonderful link in the chain of mystery which had been recently cast about the c;u-eer of Ethington. The motives and ac- tions of Eidgley he could not understand ; and the singular audacity and malignity of the new- comer, Wikoff, were quite as inoxjilit-able. The last adventure furnished now food for reflection, and, he wa3 endeavoring to mentally digest the sapie^whpn Captaui WiLson joined him. "Iwiave been looking for you," said the ran- ger.^ *»" I wanted to have some confidential talk with you, and perhaps ask your advice and as- sistance^" " Very well, captain, I am at your service; you have only to command me," replied Ething- ton. clyRi UNfVER THE TEXAN BRAVO. 27 " Mr. Ethington, I am ajilionest Kentuckian, a^hougli somewhat rude aad bearish, no doubt ; but I v.'ill be frank with you, and come to the subject uppermost in my thoughts at once. About two miles beyond Vin(ie's Bridge, there is a neat fann house, owned and occupied by a man of the name of Lee, who some years ago married a fair l^Iexiean woman, and now has a son gi'own to manhood, and a daughter of about eeventeen. Marianna, for so she is called, is fine of those bewitching guds that must be seen in order to be appreciated. Such dark lan- oTiishing eyes, and such a figure ! Why, it equals Old Kentuck ; and that is saying a great deal. Two glances, sir, from the dazzling orbs of Marianna have done more for me than all th» escopetas of the Mexican army ; for they have inflicted wounds of such a nature as can't be healed by the common treatment for gamshot wounds. The Mexican women aj» very pretty, sir, notwithstan/^ng the men are such yillanous bridge, and warn Lee of the danger that threat- ens, and endeavor to fix upon some means""of giving them early intelligence of the battle." " The idea is a benevolent one, and if you will peraiit me, I will accom.pany you." " That is the favor I was about to ask," an- swered the ranger ; "but you have anticipated the request." Arming themselves thorouglily, Ethington and the captain left the bivouac, and directed their footsteps towards Vince's bridge, which both armies had passed over in attaining their present position. They crossed it without in- terruption, and silently pursued their way to- wards the residence of Marianna Lee — the maid- en whose gentle witchery had cast such a spell over the senses of the daring Kentiickian. ., They traversed a few half cultmted fields, skirted by flourishing, woodlands, and after vari- 5us turnings and windings, and penetrating a thick growth of hickory, emerged into a large fellows; and Marianna has jvist enough of the [clearing, upon the farther side of which, just Mexican style of beauty to make her one of the i under the shelter of some tall chestnuts, most enchanting girls living." j the house of Mr. Lee. stood l^ould advise you to sui-rendcr at disc-re- j As they approached it, they were much as- ayjtain Wilson," said Etliington. jionished at hearing a confused hum of voices Ctliingtc thought tion, Capt " I certainly would, if I ake honorable terms; but there's the rub." You have made love to her, dQiibtless?" The word hasn't never been mentioned be- tween us, sir. If I have made love at all, it ha.s been done with my eyes, for I haven't dar- ed to open my lips on the subject. I can face the enemy and give 'em a -taste of Kentucky skill, but I have never been able to tell Marian- na Lee that I love her ; the very thought of it ces the perspiration .stand in drops on my could proceeding from within. Advancing more cau- tiously, the ranger took the liberty to reconnoi- tre the interior as much as practicable through the.- windows. Fortunately for his purpose, a curtain had been but imperfectly drawn, and he had ample opportunity for gralii'ying a pardon- able curiosity. A scene met his view which, as he expressed it, " riled up his Kentucky blood." Four Mexicans, either deserters from the enemy, or banditti which had followed in the wake of the victorious army, were cosily seated beneath the . forehead, and excites me more than did the storming of Bexar, when only two hundred of j hospitable roof of Mr. Lee, eating and drinking us fought our way from house to house and whipped eleven hundfed of the enemy. But what I wish to say is this ; if we should be beat- en to-morrow, the robbers of Santa Anna wUl overrun the whole country, spai-ing neither age nor sex ; and Lee, who has thus far refused to move an inch, will be among the first to suffer. I have made up my mind to cross Vince's his good things, and having matters pretty much their own way. The master of the house sat with folded arras, and sullen brow, a fow yards from his unwelcome guests ; while liLs wife and Marianna, with pale and anxioiLs faces, strove to entertain thorn without giving cumse for ofl'once. They called vociferously for aguardieyite, and when it w:is furnished thorn, drank more deeply, and giew more in.soleut. 28 THE TEXAN BRAVO. Presently, the most jauntily dressed of the four seated himself cara a cava (face to face) with Marianna, evidently anticipating a pleasant time ; while another cried out in an insolent tone : " Quisiera un vaso de aguardiente " — I want a glass of brandy. Jlr. Lee informed him that there was no more in the house, which put him in a violent passion, and set hira to fingering the handle of his dagger in a very threatening manner. jMeantime the gallant who had drawn his chaii- in front of Marianna, began to say fine things to her a la Espanola — in Spani-sh fashion — wliich so far from proving agreeable, annoyed and terrified her excessively. She arose to leave him, but he insisted that she should re-' main whei|ishe was. To crown his politeness, tlie cabellero insisted that his timid companion should smoke a cigarreMa ; that the ladies of his country smoked ; that such lips seemed to be made in vain, unless they held a roll of the fragrant weed. It was in vain that JIarianna protested that she hold cigai'cttas in abhorrence ; the courteous senor lighted one for himself and another (or her, and puffed out stifling volumes of smoke, which nearly choked her. She threw the vile cigaretta from her in dis- gust, and with tears gathering in her bright eyes, begged to be excused, which the gentleman of- fered to do conditionally. Inasmuch as the cigarretta was obnoxious to her lips, she would certainly have no objection to receiving a salute upon them, from so proper a person as himself. This proposition alarmed her more than the former, and raised the ire of her father to a pitch which he could no longer restrain. "Kuffian!" he exclaimed, starting from his seat, " desist, or I will strangle you on the "spot !" And then he added, fixing his flashing eyes upon his guests : " I have had enough of this, cabelleros. I am master in my owa house, and I order you to leave it without delay !" The rascals had only been waiting some pre- tence for a quarrel, for the last half hour, and this decided language now afforded a good one. They sprang up, drew their daggers, and made a furious attack upon their host. Their first IMexican oaths were scarcely uttered, when the door was burst open, and Ethington and the ranger rushed in upon them. Lee had already prostrated one of the ruflians with a blow of his fist, and when our two friends made their unex- pected entry, the others ceased offen.^ figxires of the weary soldiers. broken only by the slow tread of the sentinel who kept sleepless vigils over those wh» were to decide the fute of the " Lone Star " so soon. CMA.tT£ll T. IrUK J5ATTL.F, OF SAX JAClN'fO. '^1'^Hi^ suti of the twentictli of April m-osc f with uudimmed splendor, aod his beams wore reflected brightly from the burnished armB of the hostile armies. The geiieral-in-chiefwas already in the saddle, the banner of the " Lond Star " was floating proudly and defiantly in the morning breezes, nnd the columns of Texas \fcro forming in the order of battle. While these stlning scenes were progressing, Houston was seen conferring with a Vi^ell kiiovvn personage who passed in camp by.tho name of Deaf Smith ; a man with a brave heart, a strong hand, and willing to execute the commands of his superior officer, even to t'le death. In a moment after, Ethington saw Smith, with two polished axes, standing at a httle distance from the fast fiUing ranks, with his eyes feed steadily npon the general, as if awaiting some import-ant order. " Arc you going to fight with two axes?*' ssked Wilson, somewhat sarcastically, as he passed him. But Deaf Smith heeded him not : for there was only one voice that eolild arouse his war' like spirit, and set his stout limbs in motion^ The defenders of Texas were under arms, im- patient f<-)r the enemy to advance ; but all was quiet within the Mexican lines, and they showed no disposition to come to an engagement. The general consulted with his officers on the expediency of atlackiDg tlie enomj. Four of the six field officers who constituted the council, opposed the idea of an attack with all their pow- er, representing that the great disparity of num- bers, the advantages of the enemy's position, and his superior discipline, rendered the meas' ure too hazardous to bo thought of. Two only, were in fiivor of the movement, and not fcai-fnl of the consequences of advancing in an open prairie and charging a disciplined army with a raw soldiery and two hundred bayonets. Having learned the opinions of his officci-s, the general's next step was to ascertain the feel* ings of his men. They were found ready and willing to figlit the enemy on his own ground, since they evinced no disposition to leave it. Considerable time had elapsed in these de- 32 THE TEXAN BRAVO. liberations, and it was three o'clock in tlie after- noon before the Texan troops were ready to move forward upon the enemy. Once more they wheeled into line, the first regiment, under the command of General Bur- leson, forming the centre ; the second under Colonel Sherman, the left wing ; while the ar- tillery under Colonel Hockley, and four com- panies of infantry, under Lieutenant Colonel Millard, took the right. The whole of the Tex- an cavalry numbered but sixty-one, and these, commanded by Colonel Lamar, occupied the ex- treme right. When all was in readiness for the attack, the general gave the order to Deaf Smith in a low voice. Immediately he leaped upon a horse which stood near him, and with his axes gallop- ed furiously away towards Vince's Bridge, fol- lowed by Felix. The shrill tones of the fife, the clear, ringing notes of the bugle, and the din of the drum were now heard along the Texan lines, which were soon in motion, and moved steadily until within two hundred yards of the enemy's breast-works. Captain Wilson with the Rangers had taken his position on tlie right of the Texan infantry and advanced on foot. Ethington shouldered his rifle and joined them, resolved to "do his devoir " like a brave man, strike another blow for liberty, and avenge his fallen comrades who slept in the smouldering ruins of the Alamo, and at Goliad. " Texans, bosses, and alligators from Old Kentucky !" said Captain Wilson. " Yonder are our enemies. You have got good rifles in your hands, and know how to use them. Don't fire until you are sure of your man ; for we meet the foe one to three, and that's considerable odds ; but do your duty, and we will whip them so they wont forget the Rangers while they re- member anything of an airthly nature." This eloquent and highly patriotic speech was received with shouts of applause by the Rangers. " Here comes the general, my lads," added the captain. " Listen, and let us hear what he is going to say." In a moment, all eyes were directed to the towering figure of Houston, who appeared in front of the Texan lines, mounted upon a pow- erful horse. "Fellow-soldiers, countrymen, and friends of liberty, upon you rests the last hope of the ' Lone Star. ' If you conquer the enemy, the rights of Texas will be secured, and you will return in peace and covered with glory, to your wives, and sweethearts ; but if you fail, you will never leave this field alive ; you will share the fate of Travis and his men." At this juncture, Deaf Smith was seen spur- ring his horse madly towards the general, swing- ing an axe triumphantly over his head. Pull- ing up his panting steed with a force that brought him upon his haunches, he addressed a few words to the commander-in-chief. The latter drew forth his sword, and while its polished stool gleamed and fla.shed in the sun, armM in a voice which rang out along the lines like the tones of a deep-toned trumpet : " Fellow-soldiers, you have thirsted to meet the dictator and his minions face to face ; and behold the hour has come. The tyrant is before you ; there is no retreat ; you must fight. Vince's Bridge is cut away, and victoi-y or death is ours. I ask no man to do more or exert him- self more than I do. He who would fight, let him follow me, and kkmember the Alamo !" As the general ceased speaking, he turned his horse's head and shouting to his men, bore down into the teeth of the foe, while a loud and angry munnur, like the voice of many waters, arose from the Texan lines, as they swayed to and fro an instant, and then followed their lead- ers, each arm inspired with the strength of three of his enemies. "Remember the Alamo! re- member the Alamo!" and the heart of every Texan swelled with indignation, and their eyes flashed with fury as the battle-cry passed from mouth to mouth, inciting all to deeds of prowess, almost without a precedent in the annals of war. The enemy received the last hope of the "Lone Star," drawn up in perfect order. At the distance of sixty yards they opened a fire THE TEXAN BRAVO. upon the advancing Texans ; but their aim was bad, and most of the leaden hail whistled harm- lessly over their heads. " Steady, men ! resei-ve your fire until the word is given!" thundered Houston, and well each man obeyed. "When within pistol shot of the Mexican columns, the word " fii-e " was shouted along the Texan lines, and a deadly volley was poured into the enemy's ranks, pros- trating them as the winds shake off the leaves in autumn. When they had discharged their pieces, they did not pause to reload them, but rushing for- ward upon the foe, broke them over their heads. This done, they di-ew their pistols from their belts, fired them with terrible eflfect, and then threw them at those nearest them. Then un- sheathing their bowie-knives, they clambered over heaps of the slain, and plunged them to the hilt in the bodies of those in tlie rear. Thus the work of slaughter went on, and tlie red demon of carnage rode triumphant over that prairie, so peaceful and bloodless an hour ago. The right and left whig of the IMexican army gave way before the irresistible charge of the Texans ; but the centre remained firm, and strove with desperate energy to withstand the shock. At this critical peri(Kl Santa AmvA pre- pared to charge the Texan infantry at the head of five hundred of liis l)est men. Houston instantly perceived the danger, and rallying his men and putting himself at tiielr liead, stood his ground manfully, and sliouting the battle-cr}- once more, ordered them to iiie. " Take good aim !" cried V\'^il.son to his Ran- gers, and the command was well obeyed. Wlien the Texans poured forth their leaden storm once more, but thnty-two out of the five hundred who had prepared to charge them remained among the living, and they were instantly made prisoners. A terrible panic now seized the enemy. They saw their comrades falling on every hand, and felt that they had never encountered such determined foes before. Masses of the dead, presenting a horrible memento of war, lay piled up where their front ranks had received the charge of the Texans, and mounting over this ghastly breastwork, those who remembered the Alamo, plunged their reeking blades into the living men who fought behind them. The prowess of hirelings was not proof against the valor of soldiers who contended for human rights ; they broke and fled, and the slaughter became more feaiful still. Towards Vince's Bridge, the routed remnant of the dictator's army fled ; when they reached the spot where they had crossed, by strain mg every nerve, urged on by the flashing steel of the Texans, r.nd their mad battle-cry, their consternation cannot be conceived when they saw the stream rolling darkly on, spanned by no bridge by which they could escape the fury of their con- querors. Some, with cries of niortal terror, threw them- selves into the water, which, before they had sunk for the last time, and while the pains of suffocation yet held them, was stained with the blood of their companions in arms ; and when they went down to rise no more, the final bub- bles that marked the spot where they disappear- ed, were red as t'ae currents which had warmed their own hearts. " Remember the Alamo" were the last sounds tliat greeted the ears of the despairing wi-etches. At the place where the bridge had been cut away, many turned and fought, while some fall- ing upon their knees, ci'ied out in tones that long haunted the ears of Ethlngton, that they were not at the Alamo. But what did that avail with men who felt that they had been wronged past reparation, and by the treatment which they had received from their foes, no long- er held to the usages of civilized warfiire 't Excited by the scenes of the fight, and re- calling what he had witnessed at Fort Alamo with a vividness but too real, Ethlngton cheered on his comrades and was foremost in tlie melee. Side by side with Captain Wilson, and followed and hnitated by the Rangers, he did his devou- nobly, and when he shouted the battle-cry, it thrilled like electricity through the heart of every man who heard it. Once when the en- slim who bore the banner — a star on a red 34 THE TEXAN BRAVO. ground — was wounded and foil, he rushed to tlie rescue and with his own hand restored it, and struck down the daring fellow who had at- tempted to capture it. After the flight to Vmee's Bridge, an acci- dent occurred which well nigh proved tatal to our hero. In his eagerness to follow up the advantage which they had gained, he became separated from the Rangers, and found himself contending singly with overwhelming numbers. Half a score of Mexican lances were instantly levelled at his person. Ethington saw the danger, but was not terrified. Death he had long held in contempt, and was quite willing to yield up his life upon a well fought field. He Smiled gi'imly upon his foes, and resolved in his fall to give them good cause to remember him. With his rifle, which he had managed to retain during the conflict, he dashed aside many a thrust from sharp lance and bristling bayonet. here to fight," answered the stranger, grufily. "The day is ours!" shouted Houston. " Three times three cheers for the Lone Star !" As the general spoke, the faithful horse which had borne him through the fight so bravely, reeled and fell to the earth ; it had been struck by seven musket b;xlls, but had nobly borne his master until his last drop of blood was spent, and sank down at the moment victory was com- pletely won. The hero of San Jacinto had been severely wounded at the commencement of the battle, but had scorned to heed his hurts when there was so much at stake. He w;is quickly assisted upon another steed, and the "three times three " were given with right good will ; and the fright- ened wretches who had survived the conflict heard it with awe and wonder, for they knew but little of the enthusiasm of men who had devoted their lives to the cause of freedom. Ethinglon pau.«cd and looked over the prairie ; At the critical moment when the exertions of { it was covered with the bodies of the slain. one could not hope h)ng(>r to be successful, the I Horses and men lay in heaps in every direction. voice which Ethington had heard once before in The dead and the dying were mingled con- the hour of battle, reached his ears amidst all fusedly together. In the distance a few terrified fugitives were running hither and thither, en- deavoring to conceal themselves in the prairie the din of conflict ; and immediately the tall form of Ridgley was seen scattering the foe to tlie right and to the left by the force of his un- aided arm, followed by Felix and the captain of the Rangers. Ridgley gained the side of Et/iing- ton, and his assailants gave ground. " Go yer death, massa debljil I" cried Felix. " Hurra for Mexicus and Tcxico!'^ " Indebted to you for a second fevor," said Ethington, as Ridgley pressed to his side, and the Mexicans fell back. " Don't speak of it," replied Ridgley. coldly, wiping the moisture from his brow, and turning his attention to another part of the field. " I am not so churlish as not to thank you for your bravery," added Walter. " I want no thanks, young man. I came graAs, or gain the covert of the wood. As the excitement of battle passed away, a feeling of compassion took possession of Ething- ton, and he exerted himself manfully to stay the slaughter. " Look there," said Captain Wilson, point- ing upward with his bloody sword. Walter raised his eyes and beheld two enormous ravens hovering over the scone of conflict, with their beaks turned to the west. Wilson and several of the rangers raised their guns to fire at the birds poising above them. "Hold!" exclaimed the general, propheti- cally. " The omen is a good one; it denotes the march of the empire westward." CHAPTER VL ■ArOUSTCS HENRIE. ip THINGTOX walked slowly towards the ij^ bivouac of the previous night, to which the soldiers, wearied of the work of slaugliter, M''ere returning in squads, without much regard to order. It was now night, and our hero thought of his appointment with "Wikoff. Stretch- ing himself by a fire which the Rangers had kindled, and ordering Felix to awaken him when the moon had arisen, he was soon lost in sleep, dreaming of the horrors of the day, and very possibly of Andrea St. Aubert. Faithful to his charge, tho African awakened his master at the time desig-nated. Captain Wilson was seated near him, repairing his rifle, which had been somewhat injured in the fight. Ethinglon had already made him acquainted with the strange appointment, and asked his services, which were offered with that genuine, though roiigh cordiality, wliich characterized the honest Kentuckian. Provided with proper arms, they now repair- ed to the spot indicated by WikofF. They stood by the waters of the San Jacinto — waters which had quenched the Same of more than one life that day. Occasionally there floated past them some mournful remnants of the fight — a' hat, a cap, some fragment of a garment, and anon a lifeless body. While Ethington gazed upon the inanimate clay, as it was being borne onward by the current, he asked hunself if it had ever en- shrined an immortal soul, and if so, what was the fate of that soul '! He turned from it with a sigh, remarking : " How many that feared death as the greatest evil, have found it since the sun crossed the meridian ; while I, who have regarded it as a friend that comes to hush up the sorrows of the feverish heart, have been spared. Strange that the bolts of death should pass me by, and spend their force upon others. Inscrutable are the ways of ProTOleuce." The moon was looking down upon the rivor with a tranquil light. The hour seemed too quiet for bloodshed, and was better suited to meditation and serious thought, than to the busi- ness which had called our licro and his friend to the spot. WikofF did not make his appearance, and 3G THE TEXAN BRAYO. Ethington paced slowly iip and down awaiting him, while Wilson seated himself beneath an oak, thinking, doubtless of IMarianna Lee. At the expiration of half an hour, the figure of a man emerged cautiously from the copse of trees. It was Wikoff. He appeared disappointed when he saw Ethington, and stood irresolute ; but the keen eyes of the ranger were fixed upon him, and he instantly signified that they were await- mg him. " So you have sur\'ived the conflict?" said WikofF, approaching Ethington. ' ' My presence seems to justify that conclu- sion," replied the latter, coldly. " It strikes mo that you didn't expect to see him," observed the captain. " No matter what I expected," returned WikofF. "I am here, and ready to proceed. Have you brought weapons?" "I have," answered Wilson. "What dis- tance do you propose?" " Twelve paces," said Wikoff. " Arrange it as you will," added Ethington. " It makes no difference to me." T]}e Kentuckian now paced off the gi-ound. " On which side do you intend to place me?" a.^ked V/ikoff " Upon that nearest the river," replied the ranger. , " And is that a specimen of your fairness? I protest against it, for my adversary will have all the advantage of the light. No, sir, I will not stand up to be shot in that way. Measure the ground in another direction, or let me have the other side !" exclaimed Wikijff, with a scowl of disapprobation. " Don't show too muchofthesnappin' turtle," said Wilson, briefly. " You had better comply with his wishes," suggested Walter. The ground was now meas- ured off according to the directions of Wikoff, and the parties took their places. Wikoff found fault with the weapons which the ranger had brought, and concluded to use his o^vn ; and this was also agreed to by Ethington. Wilson was to count three, and the word three was to be the simal to fire. Ethington appeared as calm as usual, and be- trayed no anxiety for the result. He had be- held all the preparations unmoved, and in fact with total indifference. Not so with Wikoff; his cheeks which were flushed when he first ap- peared, were now pale to ghastliness ; while a sickly and sinister smile rested upon liLs lips. Deadly hatred and hostility were vividly traced in the expression of his whole visage. Though his arm did not shake when he took his stand, and the weapons were placed in his hands, he was evidently suffering from pome emotion, anx- iety or fear. " Now, gentlemen, do not fire until I have pronounced the word three," said Wilson, tak- ing a position equi-distant from the parties. " Have you any word to leave for Andrea St. Aubert?" asked Wikoff, in a sneering tone to Ethington. " Captain Wilson, I am ready," said Walter, calmly. " Are yon ready, sir?'' a.-^ked Wilson, turn- ing to Wikoff. "All ready," responded the latter, with the same sinister smile. "Then, gentlembn, remendicr the directions, and fire after the word tluee, fur I want thi.M thing to be done fair, and in a way that wouldn't disgrace Old Kentuck itself.'' Wilson paused a moment, looked steadily at the parties to see how they bore themselves, and then proceeded, apparently well satisfied with the deportment of Ethington. " Gentlemen, I shall now give you the word : " OneP' There was no change perceptible in the fea- tures or attitude of AValter ; but his antagonist grew paler, if possible, and smiled more fright- fully. " TwoT Instantly Wikoff fired, in defiance of all the rules of honor, before the word three had been spoken. Ethington's arm fell to his side, tho pistol dropped from his gra-sp, he tottered a step and sank to the ground. With a hasty imprecation upon Wikuff, who turned and fled, the ranger ran to hLs friend and THE TEXAN BRAVO 37 raised him from the earth. Walter looked up into the face of the Kentuckian, smiled sweetly, and immediately became unconscious. Wilson took him in his ai-nis, and bore him swiftly to- wards the Texan encampment, where a surgeon was ha.stily summoned. When Ethington's mind regained somethmg of its fonner lucidity, he found himself in a dark- ened room, Ijing upon a comfortable bed. He heard soft footsteps and whispered words, like those breathed in the chamber of the sick. A young la mit peaceably to their wishes. Felix looked at the presented rifle with alarm, and a.skod what they wanted. " Come with us, and do not resist," replied Wikoff. " Tie his hands, Cogswell, and if he resists, I will shoot him." Cogswell took the belt which he wore about his waist and approached Felix. The latter held out his hands, and when the former was sufficiently near, seized him with a powerful grasp and instantly thrust his body between Wikoff and himself. "Fire, massa debbil — go yer death!" cried Felix, while he made a shield of Cogswell, who struggled in vain to free himself from the strong arms which held him. This demonstration on the part of the negro put Wikoff in a rage, and he would gladly have shot him down without remorse, could he have done so without danger to Cogswell ; but he could not, and it was in vain that he tried. "Knock him over the head with the breech of your riflo; crack his skull I" exclaimed Cogswell. " 'Sprcss yerself ; promulgate," said Felix, watching the movements of Wikoff attentively, who, resolved to follow Cog.swell's advice, now cautiously approached the negro with his weapon uprai-sed. Tlie moment came for which Felix had waited ; he raised his great fist, dashed Cog;-well to the earth, and with a shout sprang upon Wikoff. With his left hand he arrested the descending weapon, and with the other stmck a tremendous blow against the forehead of Wikoff, who fell down like an ox that was stricken with a butch- er's axe. " Go it, white folks I Yah, yah ! Hoah, heahV The next moment a " cullud inder- vidooal," resembling Felix more than any other person, was seen running very rapidly towards the camp of the Texan Kangcrs. When Wikoff and Cogswell recovered some- what from the shock which they had received, they raised themselves slowly upon their elbowa and gazed lugubriously into the faces of each other. CHAPTER VIII. ANDREA ST. AUBKRT THE RING. 9F the reader will consent to accompany us to San Antonio de Bexar, we will make him more intimately acquainted with characters who have hitherto been kept in the back ground, or only casually noticed. We are informed upon credible authority that the only places occupied by a white population in 1821, were the Spanish posts of San Antonio, Nocadoches and Goliad, comprising in all about three thousand inhabitants. Not long after, in consequence of the inducements held out to set- tlers, there was an extraordinary influx of em- igrants from the United States. Many of those who sought homes in the new country carried with them slaves. Mr. Ridgley was among the early emigrants from the great republic. He had settled at San Antonio, and accumulated a handsome property by industry and attention to business. It is known that in 1832 the people of Texas formed a State Constitution, and tried to obtain from the Mexican Congress an admission into the confederacy, as an independent State. The refusal resulted in an appeal to arms, and after that period, San Antonio de Bexar had but lit- tle rest and tranquillity ; it was subject to con- tinual alarm.s and invasions from the enemy, and fell into their possession several times. !Mr. Ridgley, having taken an active part in the war policy, was obliged on several occasions to seek safety in flight, and bore arras against the invaders more than once. When the enemy were driven out, he return- ed to look after his affiiirs and repair damages ; for war always leaves the imprint of his destroy- ing hand upon everything which falls in his way. Mr. Ridgley owned an elegant mansion at San Antonio, which had miraculously escaped destruction during all the vicissitudes of the sanguinary struggle, and we now find him oc- cupying it with his family. It was the evening of the day succeeding the events of the last chapter. A gentle moon and bright silvery stars illuminated the arch of the overhanging skies. Two young ladies were walking aim in arm in the garden attached to Mr. Ridgley 's establishment. Both were a 44 THE TEXAN BRAVO. little above the medium height, well-formed aud graceful, and bore a strikmg resemblance to each other. One was Andrea St. Aubert — our heroine — and the other, her cousin Eosalia, Mr. Ridgley's only daughter. " KI thought," said Andrea, looking tunidly at her companion, " that I had overstepped the bounds of maidenly reserve and modesty, I should indeed be deej^ly mortified.'' "My fair cousin," replied Rosalia, earnestly, ' ' highly endowed as you are with good sense and noble sentiments, it is quite impo.ssible that you should or could have done aught to cause you a single sigh of regret or blush of shame. It is said that each one of us has an angel, and that he keeps a record of all our worthy actions, and I am sure there has been something good accredited to you by his ready pen long before this hour — those very deeds which you are now disposed to blush and cry about." A tear of gratitude moistened the dark eyes of Andrea ; she pressed her friend's hand in silence. " Had I been placed in your circumstances, my cousin, I should have attempted to do just what you accomplished so nobly. You have a deep conviction that there has been a cruel mis- understanding on the part of — of — " "Walter," added Andrea, softly. "On tlie part of Walter," said Rosalia; " resultmg from the jealousy or malice of some person unknown. As your conscience acquits you of giving any real cause of offence, you have felt it your duty to be friendly to him still, and learn, if possible, the reason of his strange de- sertion of one so dear as you must have been to him ; for I believe that few young gentlemen could see you without — " "Hush, Rosalia; don't flatter me," said Andrea. " You have learned that he still loves you, though fully of the opinion that you were false to your professions of attachment. In the hour of your bitter disappointment, you came hither to find what consolation you might in my friend- ship; that was not wi'ong, certainly. Soon after you learned, by various ways and means, that your false lover was here, fighting in the Texan army with rash daring, seekuig death in the thickest of the fight, doing prodigies of valor, and providentially escaping unharmed on most occasions. All that took place afterward was done with my approval, and the consent of my father, your uncle ; for he said, ' it was a pity that two young persons who loved each other, should be separated by a trifling misun- derstanding.' Believing as he does in your in- nocence, be assured that he is too proud and noble to compromise you, in any manner what- ever ; and if the truth were known, has been rather severe with Ethington than otherwise. I am certain that he required your lover to re- turn and ask your pardon upon his knees." " I am sure he ought to," replied Andrea, with a smile. " And I predict that he will, when the truth is known," added Rosalia. "Hark I" said Andrea. "I thought I heard some one climbuig over the wall." "Where'?" a.«ked Rosalia. " There — in that direction," an.swered An- drea. " Let us walk towards the spot,'' said the other. " No let us retire to the house, rejoined her cousin ; but Rosalia drew her along with gentle force towards the spot indicated. " Don't be alarmed, fair ladies," said a voice. " Pardon this intrusion." The figure of a tall man emerged from the shrubbery which grew by the wall, and stood before the two girls. He lifted his hat and bowed verj' low. " Come away," whispered Andrea to her companion. "What is your wish, sir?" asked Rosalia. " To speak a few words with Miss St. Au- bert," replied the intruder. " Will you do me the favor to retire a moment, that I may address her alone ?" " No, sir, I will not ; she has no secrets that she would keep from me. If you have aught to say, speak on, or leave us instantly." " You are pleased to be severe with me," said the man. THE TEXAN BRAYO. 45 " Do you know this rude person!" asked Rosalia, turning to xVndrea. " His voice sounds familiar. I should say that I had met him somewhere ; but if so, I have no desire to renew the ao!|utiintance," re- plied Andrea, with a slight shudder. " You hear what iMis-s St. Aubert says," add- ed Rosalia, firmly. " I do," returned Wikoff, with another bow. " I once presumed to speak to Miss .St. Aubert on a certain subject. She was pleased to dis- courage my hopes, and I suljmitted to my fate as best I might. Since that time I have stnig- gled with my unhappy passion, and I trast I shall overcome it ; at lea.st I shall tnmble her no more with the recital of my love ; it were a useless task, and painful withal, and I came not hither to s^-.cnk of it. I have come to bid her adieu forever." "It is Wik(jfF!" exclahned Andrea, trem- bling violently. " Yes, it Is that unhapjiy man," siglied WikofF. " Suffer me to kneel but one moment at your feet — to press your hand once more to my lips, and then you will be spared the pain of seeing me again in this world of vicissitude and suffering." While WikofF was speaking, he advanced quickly, caught the hand of Andrea and sank upon his knees, pressed it kustily to his lips, and seemed loth to relinquish it. " Go, sir, go !" cried Andrea, much disturb- ed at thisunlooked for demonstration. " Leave me, I entreat of you, and let me never behold you again ; your presence makes me miserable ; I cannot be happy near you." Wikofi" released her hand, and arose from his humble posture, while our heroine clung ner- vously to Rosalia for support. " Duty to God and to you. Miss St. Aubert, prompts me to say a few words more before I tear myself from your presence forever. There ia a certain person — I will not speak his name in your pure ears — once favored with some por- tion of your regard, who now vilifies your name, and speaks it and causes it to be spoken where it should not be heard. I have heard the name of Andrea St. Auliert coupled with the rude jest and ribald song in yonder camp, and my blood has boiled to punish the villain." Walter Ethlnfftc cried An- drea, in tones of real anguish. " You speak falsely — it cannot be — it Ls not his nature." "Alas," added WikofF, solemnly, "how prone is the tra.sting heart to deception. Far be it from ms to disturb your tranquillity of mind, or trample upon the hopes which you still fondly cherish. Time will test my friendship and truth, though it cannot heal the wounds of a broken heart. I could have wished, and have wished, and do wish that this man whom you have deigned to love, were more deserving of your affections. He deserted you basely — most basely — and seemed insensible of the happiness of being beloved by an angel." WikofF paused, passed his liand suddenly across hiis eyes, and then added, still more im- pressively : " Had this young man been worthy of you, I could have resigned all hope of winning your affections with half the internal strife it is cost^ ing me ; but let that pass ; the ways of Heaven are inscrutable. Peerless Andrea, idol of my soul ! I bid you adieu.'''' Wikoff bowed once more, and turning quick- ly, disappeared from view. " Courage," said Rosalia, supporting Andrea, who was nearly unconscious, so much had she been agitated by this strange scene. " He has gone — we are alone." " Forgive this weakness," said Andrea. " The sight of that man always makes me mis- erable. I instinctively shrink from him ; he terrifies me ; he is evil ; I know it by intui- tion." The young ladies now walked slowly towards the house, Rosalia striving to re-assure and comfort her friend with gentle and hopeful words. Soon after entering the parlor, Andrea discovered that a ring w]ii(;h she had worn upon the third finger of her left hand, was no longer tliere. She coummnicated the fact to Rosalia, remarking that it was the only article in her possession which had belonged to Ethmgton. 46 THE TEXAN BRAVO. " WikofFtook your loft hand," sa " And he has taken the ring," replied An- drea ; " for I had it upon my finger when I went into the garden." In this opinion, Miss Ridglcy fully concurred ; she had observed that the ring was rather large, and could easily be slipped off. This circum- stance caused our heroine much pain, for she highly valued the ring, and knew not what use Wikoff might make of it ; and indeed she was not a little vexed at his presumption in daring to possess himself of it in such a manner. While she was reflecting upon this subject, Mr. Ridglcy made his appearance, bringing news of considerable importance. He had hoard that there were a largo number of ilexi- cans, flitting up and down the Nueces river, watching for an Opportunity to plunder Sun Antonio de Bexar, " But the Texan Rangers are encamped ncju- us," said Rosalia. " Are tliey not sufliciently strong to defend the place V" " They are but a handful of men, although their number has boon doubled since the battle of San Jacinto, and the enemy are said to ex- ceed them greatly numerically-— two to one, at least," replied Ridglcy. " They are stimulated by the hope of plunder, and will fight hotter, probably, than Mexicans are wont without this powerful incentive. 1 had hoped that since the decisive affair of San Jacinto, we should have peace ; but it would seem that we are doomed to disappointment. We have now to deal with what appears a lawless banditti, having no other aim than bloodshed and indiscriminate plun- der." " Wo must trust in the Rangers, my dear uncle," said Andrea. " And in God," added Ridgley, solemnly. " Was it not stipulated by Santa Anna, that all his forces should withdraw to the west side of the Rio Grande I" asked Rosalia. " It W!is ; and the promise has been in a measure fulfilled ; but those who are now hov- ering about Bexar, like hungry wolves, care little for stipulations and agreements ; they know no law but their own wills. They respect no governments, either human or divine, and their masters are their own unrestrained desires. If they would come out and attack us boldly, we should fear them but little, and have no great difficulty in defending our own ; but they will watch their time and full upon us like thieves in the night." .,,^ " Is tho danger then so great V" continued Rosalia. ^ " I would not ahirm you unnecessarily; but leave you to draw your own inferences from what I have stated." Soon after this conversation the family retired, each unusually thoughtful, and anxious for the future . CHAPTER IX. AN UNKXPKCTED EVENT OUR HERO A PRISONER. ALTER ETIIINGTON wjis consider- altly surprised when Felix returned and related his adventure with Wikoff and Cogs- well, whom he described as aceuralely as possi- ble ; and our hero was not much at a loss to determine who they wore, and the ohjoct they had in view. Some portion of "SValter's mis- anthropy had worn nfF, and he was lieartily glail that his taitliful friend had escaped so well. lie strongly advised him to be careful in his future walks, always to go armed, and never venture out of sight of the camp. He requested Felix to relate the affair to Captain AVil.'on, and both agreed that Cogswell and AVikofF must have been the parties concenied, and that some mis- chief was evidently in progress, which it was their duty to guard against by every rational means. "Both of them have sought to take our lives," said Wilson, " in an underhanded and unmanly way. Cogswell was, no doubt, the unseen marksman who wounded me after the battle of San Jacinto, and "Wikoff acted the coward and the assassin by firing before the word was given ; a circumstance which came near proving fatal to you. I do not believe the story of his being a successful rival. If his suit had prospered with x\ndrea St. Aubert, why should he be here, and why wish to destroy you? Depend upon it, he is a disappointed man ; for success does not produce revengeful feelmgs. Look at the case of Cogswell ; Mari- anna did not favor him so much as she did me. He perceived that he was losing ground, and that I was rising in the esteem of Marianna in proportion. You know the result; he has sought my life ever since with as much zeal as Saul sought the life of David. Now these two fellows — Cogswell and Wikoff — are equally mated ; they are both consummate villains, and it is our duty to keep our eyes open and not let them have it all their own way." ' ' I comcide with you in much that you havi said," replied Walter. "It's my settled conviction," added Wilson, " that this person who calls himself Wikoff, is the cause of all your misfortunes. If time proves me wrong, then I will give up all claims to being an alligator from Old Kentuck." 48 THE TEXAN BRAVO. •' You mean well Captain Wilson," answered Etliingtou, but he added with a faint smile, and extending his hand to the captain, " we will continue the subject at another tinie." " FelLx," said the latter, when Ethington had walked away. " Here 's dis nigger," said Felix. "Do you know what caused this fatal mis- understanding between your ma.ster and Miss St. Aubert?" " Yes, sare, I do'sen't know," replied Felix, gravely. " I like your ma.ster, Felix, and wish to make him more happy, if possible. If you know anything about this affliir, don't be afraid to tell me." " 'Twouldn't be safe, massa cap'en." " Nonsense, speak out." " He cotched her walking in de garden wid anudder feller, I b'lieve, and dcy 'peared mighty fond ob each udder, cried and kissed when dey parted." "Well, go on, Felix." " Dat's all, massa Kentuck ; couldn't 'sprcss myself more 'tickerly on that subjeck." " So that caused all the mischief? " " Ob course." "Yes, sare." "Goto thed 1." "I'se jest a gwine. I'll take yer compli- ments along. Yah, yah ! Ileah, fieak ! "You're a great nigger, Felix," added the captain, good naturedly. " You're worth your weight in gold." " Go it, massa Kentuck, promulgate, 'spress y onr pheh'nx, heah, heah ! " and Felix left the captain, not a little flattered by his ofF-hand though rather dubious compliments. The Texan Rangers were encamped but a short distance from San Antonio, and late on the evening of the following day Ethington walked into the town. As he passed from street to street, his thoughts recurred to the past, more especially to his recent adventures in the land of the " Lone Star," his various extra- ordinary escapes, and the kindness which he had received on several occasions from strangers. He recollected the features of the gentle Mari- anna, and of the strange lad, Augustus Henrie, who, with the former, had watched over him in hours of pain and unconsciousness. The antipathy which he had felt towards the youth, in a measure subsided before he had parted with him at Mr. Lee's ; but he was still inclined to look upon him as a vain, effeminate lad, who would never attain to any great de- gree of manliness, and who was more fitted by nature to the employments of the other sex than those of his own. The reason of this will be more apparent when it is announced that our hero had always entertained a supreme contempt for effeminate youngsters, and dandyism in general ; but we will not do him the injustice to lose sight of tlie fact that Walter — despite all his previous preju- dices — was really attracted towards Augustus, and if ho did not absolutely like him, he at least pitied what he considered his want of manlier qualities, and now when separated from him, felt the loss of his society sen.sibly, much more than he could have anticipated. While Ethington thus mused, time flew on unheeded. The niglit had been made plca^-^ant by a bright moon, but of a sudden dark clouds rolled up into the .skies and ob.-^cured its beauty. But Walter was conscious of no change in the surrounding elements; looking intently within he had not observed the changes going on without. Having no desire for human com- panionship, he seated himself upon a bench in a sort of square or plaza, near the centre of the town. The place was quiet and the solitude pleased hhn. The stillness of the spot and the pensive character of his meditations soon had their effect, and in a little time Walter wa.s in the misty land, of dreams. He was awakened at length by the di.'^chargc of fire-arms, and loud and continued .shouting. He sprang to his feet, at a loss, for a moment, to account for what he heard ; then the sharp crack of the Texan rifles reached his ears, and he divined at once that the town had been at- tacked by Mexican banditti. The confusion, and filing, and outcries, rapid- THE TEXAN BRAVO. 49 ly increased. Guided by the sounds, Ethiiig- ton hurried towards the scene of tumult. In leaving the camp he had not neglected to take his pistols, and he now congratulated himself that he had done so. While he was dashing up one of the principal streets to mingle with the combatants, he heard shrieks and cries for assistance, proceeding from a dwelling which he was passing. He paused, saw lights flashing from the windows, heard voices, and the sound of rapid footsteps within. To run through the open gate and enter the open door, was the work of a moment. With- out hesitation he mounted the stairs, still direct- ed by the outcries, and the noise of the struggle which was evidently going on above. Passing through a dimly lighted chamber, he entered one perfectly dark. As he crossed the thresh- old, the light from the adjoining apartment fell upon the figure of a tall man bearing a female in his arms ; and as the latter struggled to regain her liberty and cried for help, it fur- nished sufficient proof that all was not right. Ethington therefore coolly knocked the man down with the butt of a pistol, and caught the female from his arms. The instant the aggressor fell to the floor, another party darted from the room, and ran hastily down stairs. Walter bore his now nearly unconscious bui-- den to the light. He looked unto her face ; her eyes met his, she uttered a faint cry and became insensible ; it was Andrea St. Aubert. " Strange fatality !" exclaimed Walter, gaz- ing fixedly at the fair object once so greatly beloved. " Unhappy chance that brings us again together." Heavy, hurried steps were now heard upon the stairs, and Ridgley dashed into the chamber, considerably excited, and judging from his dis- ordered dress, fresh from a scuffle of some kind. He paused suddenly when he beheld Ethington and seemed confounded. Our hero was the first to recover himself. " I believe I was in time to be of some service to this young lady," he stammered. "What means this confusion? What has happened?" he asked, still confused and erabarras.sed, and placing Miss St. Aubert, who now showed signs of returning animation, in an easy chair. " I thank you in the name of Andrea," re- plied Ridgley. " Where is Rosalia ?" " I have seen no other female," said Ething- ton. At that instant there was a great crash in the next room. Ridgley caught the lamp from the table and ran in. The cause of the noise was soon discovered ; the man whom Wal- ter had knocked down, had recovered his senses and made his escape by leaping through the window. Rosalia had fainted at the moment of Walter's appearance, and was found in the apartment unharmed, thoiigh very much terrified. She regained her courage instantly upon seeing her fi\ther, and hastened to minister to Andrea. " The danger has passed, I believe, of what- ever nature it might have been," said the young man. " I hear the sound of conflict near us, and I will therefore hasten to join my brave com- panions." " Oar house has been assailed by ruffians," replied Ridgley. ' ' You have rendered me an important service, which I shall be sure to re- member. The object of this attack I scarcely know, for I have not yet had time to collect my thoughts." Without trusting himself to look again at Andrea, Ethington descended the stairs. The door -was still open as he had found it, but upon the steps lay the body of a man, apparently dead. Walter bent over him, looked at the face, and felt quite sure that it was WikofT; but wishing to be quite certain of his identity, he entered the parlor where a lamp was burning, and returning with it, examined the features. He was correct in his first impressions ; it was indeed WikofF. One hand lay across hLs breast, and upon the fourth finger sparkled a ring with uncommon brilliancy, as the rays of the lamp fell upon it. Ethington could not re- press an exclamation of surprise, as his eyes rested upon the ornament, for he recognized it ; he had once given it to Miss St. Aubert. How came it upon the finger of this man ? was the first question which crossed the track of hi.s thoughts. THS 50 THE TEXAN BRAVO. Wikoff's chest heaved convulsively, and he gave signs of returning life. Walter dashed the lamp upon the ground with a muttered unpre- cation, and with a frowning brow walked hastily from the spot. " Perhaps," he said, " he received the wounds upon his person in defence of Andrea ; perhaps she placed that ring upon his finger with her own hand." And the thought nearly madden- ed him. It is a singular fact that lovers always look at the dark side of the picture, and that which is really the most unreasonable, appears the mo.st reasonable to their distorted fancies. There were other inferences which Ethington might have drawn upon finding WikofF in that vicinity, badly and perhaps fatally wounded j but his mind, morbidly active in conjuring up images to make himself miserable, was satisfied with its first conclusions, and so made no cflfort to ex- plain the matter in any other way. Feeling more wretched and tired of the world than he had for a long time before, he ha.stened to the spot where the firing and shouting were still heard. He was soon among the combat- ants, fighting with all his accustomed daring and bravery. Suddenly he was prostrated by a blow upon the head. He knew no more of the fight — he heard no longer the loud ringing voice of Wil.'^on, or the crack of the Texan rifles. It was broad daylight before he was again conscious of exis- tence. He found himself lying on the ground, bound hand and foot. Around him lay several Mexicans wrapped in their blankets, sleeping. He attempted to arise to a sitting posture, but could not. The bands upon his wrists gave him intense pain, and he felt very faint and miserable. He reconnoitered the spot as well as he could in a horizontal position, and perceived that they v/ere sui-rounded on all sides by a dense chapparel. At a short distance was a tent, and judging by the sounds that occasionally came from it, Ethington concluded that it con- tained wounded men. Though suffer mg much pain, our hero was forced to lie unnoticed for two hours, when a man came from the tent and approached him. He was not a little astonished at seeing the in- dividual who now stood beside him, for in him he recognized Cogswell, the lover of Marianna Lee. He was industriously smoking a cigariUo, and contemplated the prostrate figure of our hero with the calmest satisfaction. Ethington asked him to loosen the cords a little, as his limbs were now considerably swol- len ; but Cogswell declined to comply with this reasonable request, assuring him that if he were to do anything in the premises, he should make his bands tighter. " Miserable renegade I" exclaimed Ething- ton, indignantly. " I should have known that a creature who will fight against his country- men, will not show common humanity towards a fellow-being," " Here comes a gentleman who will doubtleea entertain you more agreeably than I can," re- plied Cogswell, with a malicious sneer. Ethington turned his eyes with difiiculty to- wards the person indicated, and saw his antago- nist in the late duel at San Jacinto. His head was bound up with a handkerchief, and he was deadly pale from loss of blood. " Well, sir, you are not with the Rangers now !" said Wikoff. "It is quite unnecessary to inform me of that fact," replied Ethington. "It is very evident that I am not among men of honor." " Did you ever see this ring before?" asked Wikoff, holding up his finger. " I saw you lying senseless upon the ground last night," retorted Walter. " You were in my power, but I scorned to take advantage of your helpless condition." " You were very humane," rejoined Wikoff, changing color. " But what do you say of this ringV" ' ' Perhaps you purloined it ; I do not know ; a man without honor is capable of any meanness, THE TEXAN BRAVO. 51 If Miss St. Aubert bestowed it upon you, she was certainly very unfortunate in the choice of a friend. But you have yet to explain the cause of being found insensible upon the door steps of the house where the lady resides." " That has little to do with our present busi- ness. Suffice it that you have always been in my way, and were so last night ; but it shall soon be beyond your power to mar my plans or baffle my purposes. Look up at the sun ; it never shone more brilliantly ; gaze your fill and say 'farewell;" for you will never see it rise again." " Dare you then lift your hand against my life?" "The 'Texan Bravo' shrinks from the or- deal ! I thought it was death that he was seek- ing?" " I fear not death, when met honorably ; but I never sought it at the hands of a villain who would make my demise the means of carrying out his nefarious schemes, and bringing down ruin upon others. I can die like a man ; but remember that the Texan rifles will avenge my death. Perhaps you never saw one of the Ran- gers look throxigh the double sights V WikofF grew a shade paler, and Cogswell shrugged his shoulders significantly at the men- tion of the " double sights." Both knew the fatal significance of the words, for the sharp shooting of the Rangers was proverbial ; and it is a well known fact that great numbers of the enemy who were left on the field in various bat- tles were shot through the head.* WikofF and Cogswell now walked away to- gether, while one of the Mexicans, more humane than they, loosened the cords about his limbs, which gave him great relief. Presently there * General Green, in hia history of the Mier expedi- tion, informs us that after the battle of Mier ho visited the building where the wounded of the enemy were under surgical treatment. He says : " One hundred and thirty-six of the enemy's wounded were stretched out on the floor, many of whom had been shot in the head, and their brains had oozed out, from the size of a marble to that of one's list. It was a horrible sight." was considerable bustle in the camp. The sol- diers (if we may thus call them) were got under arms by their leader, the identical Captain Gar- cia, who had led an attack against Ethington and his two friends dn the Colorado. Our hero's feet were now set at liberty, and he was marched out in front of the marshalled band by a file of men. Ethington understood these preparations well ; it was evident that he was about to be shot, and he endeavored to com- pose his mind, and fix his last earthly thoughts on the only Being who could now assist and sus- tain him. In the brief space that was allowed him for meditation, he reflected upon the stormy events that had been crowded into his life since he had left his native State, a reckless and hopeless man. As he could discern in the portents of the future no brightening of the sun of his des- tiny, he resigned himself to his fate without a murmur. Although existence had no charms for him, and he had often sought death, yet he could not but feel and confess to himself that he was not wholly prepared for the great change which awaited him. The near prospect of dissolution brought with it clearer views of man and his duties. He began to doubt whether misanthropy was not a crime in the siglit of God, and if the last few months of his life had not been sinful in the ex- treme. But there was now little opportunity to discuss such questions ; he stood face to face with those selected to be his executioners — a band of lawless and savage-looking fellows, ap- parently dead to all the finer susceptibilities of human nature. A man now came forward with a handker- chief to bandage his eyes, but Ethington shook his head, saying proudly : " I have often faced death, and I am not afraid to face it once more. It ia the coward soul alone that shrinks from beholding the ter rors of death." " Proud to the last," murmured Wikoff, who THE TEXAN BRAVO. hud approachetl aud stood contemplating our hero with a triumphant expression. " And wore you so presumptuous as to imag- ine for a moment that you would see my spirit unbend, and my manliness give wayV" exclaim- ed Walter, wlio overheard the remark. " I know that such was your hope and expectation, but both were vain. I sliall die as I have lived — a man. I am ready." The file of men retreated a few paces, and left Ethington alone — a mark for the cscopetas of a cowardly foe. He drew himself up and looked at them without flinching. Cogswell re- appeared and spoke a few words to Wikriff, and the latter conversed with Garcia in a low voice. The conversation, debate, or council, or what- ever its nature might have been, lasted some time, and was carried on with much warmth. The sun was high in the heavens, and shone down upon the parties with glorious brightne.'ss. The winds brenthed gently among the flowers, and dallied with the undulating grass that grew upon the plateau. But in the air, and among the flowers, and the grass, and everything that whispered of life and beauty, th.ore was a savor of death. CEAPTER X. COGSWELL AND MARIANNA— A LOTE SCENK. E will now return to INIarianna, whom we shall find comfortably domiciled at San Antonio de Bexar, Mr. Lee having dispos- ed of his property at San Jacinto, and removed to a small estate which he owned at the place we have mentioned. Marianna rejoiced at this change of residence for several reasons ; and one of the most prominent was, that she hoped to escape the society of Cogswell, whom she dis- liked and feared. It was the evening of the day upon which "SYikofFand Cogswell met for the first time. Mai-ianna Lee was the sole occupant of a small apartment fronting upon the street, while the other members of the household were either not within doors, or busy in another part of the house. There was a heavy tread upon the steps, and soon a gentle knock upon the door. Marianna hastened to answer the summons, and met Cogs- well upon the threshold. The blood forsook her cheeks, her heart beat faster, and it was with difficulty that she could restrain her emo- tions. Cogswell entered with the determined air of one who is resolved upon some important measure, and does not mean to falter in its exe- cution. His features never looked more repulsive and forbidding to Marianna, and she heartily wished the interview at an end. She was about to call her mother, when her quondam lover requested her to be seated and hear what he had to com- municate. She reluctantly complied, and Cogs- well mustered all his eloquence and ingenuity to make a final impression upon her heart. Vain attempt ! useless expenditure of words ! " You have long known. Miss Lee," he be- gan, " that I have ventured to raise my thoughts to you, and to come to the point at once, that I entertain a sincere affection for you. I have now called to hear, from your own lips, the de- cision of my fate. To be brief and plaui — for I am a man of few words — will you become Mrs. Cogswell?" " To be brief and plain, I decline," replied Marianna, firmly. " May I ask your reasons?" continued Coga- well, with assumed caljnne83. ,„ . 54 THE TEXAN BRAVO. "There are many, Mr. Cogswell — I need not enumerate them — spare me that task, suffice it that there is a want of congeniality of dis- position and temperament," said Marianna, in as gentle a manner as possible. " Could not that objection be overcome — be melted away by time?" "I think not; lean extend no .such hope; it were wrong to do so." " I can well guess the cause," said Cogswell, with much bitterness. "It is because I have a rival. Captain Wilson has stolen away the regard which you once entertained for me ; and your blushes are my witnesses that I speak the truth." "The person you have named never injured you in my estimation,'' returned Marianna, with some a.sperity of manner. " I regret to be forced to tell you that I never entertained any deeper sentiments of friendship for you than I now do." "And that is saying but little, I suppose I" he retorted, giving his fair auditor a searching glance. " You are right, sir. There is no reciprocity between us. I should not make clioice 6f one like you for a friend, much less for a lover. Do not be offended ; you have wrung this confession from me. Learn wisdom ; when a maiden says ' nay,' do not press her fartlier, that yUn may enjoy some portion of her respect, if not her love. This subject, I now hope, is put to rest forever, and you will do me a kindness never to allude to it again, in any manner." "You deceive yourself. Miss Lee; you have mistaken my character ; your perversity does not discourage me. It is time that you should know me better ; if you cannot love me, I will at least teach you to fear me. I have a power over you and your lover which you do not dream of." " And do you threaten those who find it im- possible to love you?'' exclaimed Marianna, with dignity. "I was saying that I liad power over your fortunes which you do not know of, or coinpre- >nd," he added, knitting his brows. " And if you have this power you speak of, will you use it against a youthful maiden ?" " I will ! I call heaven and earth to witness that I will !" cried Cogswell, angrily. " You flatter yourself, like others, that you are safe here ; that the Texan Rangers can defend the place against the attacks of the enemy." ''Banditti, you should have said," interrupt- ed Marianna. " Call them what you will. I care not ; the fact stands the same. The destruction of San Antonio de Bexar is decided ujwn ; before many days it will be a heap of steaming ruins." " If anything were wanting," retorted Marian- na, with burning cheeks and flashing eyes, " to make me regard you with deeper loathing and contempt, it was what you have now uttered. Above all living things I despise a traitor I" "That is bitter language," said Cogswell, biting his lips. " Let us part now; relieve me of your pres- ence, I beg of you," responded the maiden, rising. " Hear me out." " No, I had rather see yon out.^' " You are witty at my expense ; but my turn will come anon. Who will be your protector when Bexar is \STapped in flames, and its streets are full of blood-thirsty men, to pillage and destroy?" " I pray Heaven I may not be so much de- serted by God as to accept protection from a traitor. I would sooner share the fate of the Alamo," said Marianna, with spirit. " Listen ! Just beyond the Rio Grande is a beautiful rancho, of which I am to be ma.ster. You have only to say a word to be its mistres.s, and San Antonio shall not be harmed. And more than this — Wilson's life shall he spared." " Go, sir ! I will make no terms. If all your allies are like yourself, San/Antonio will never be conquered. As for Captain Wilson, if he cannot defend himself alid maintain his position, it will be because he has forgotten San Jacinto." " I perceive that you love to talk of San Ja- cinto ; it gives you pleasure. But remember THE TEXAN BRAVO. 55 my words — the time draws near — San Antonio will burn — will become a heap of ashes — and the Rangei-s shall be swept away with the besom of destruction. Reflect one instant ; will you prevent this awful calamity 7" " Shall I liglit you out, or will you force me to speak to my father?'' Cogswell trembled with rage, and with a mut- tered curse and a frowning brow, prepared to depart. He paused a moment on the steps, and darting a threatening look at Miirianna, exclaimed : " You shall regret this insult ; my words are prophetic. I will make them true. Bexar shall burn, and — " Marianna closed the door and did not hear the conclusion of the sentence, though she could well guess its import. She retired to her cham- ber, feeling truly wretched, and gave way to her emotions without restraint. That she feared Cogswell, she could not deny ; and his threats had terrified her greatly, in addition to the re- pugnance she had always felt towards him. * * * * Soon after Walter Ethington's departure from camp. Captain Wilson gave orders to Liexiten- ant Cameron (a tried officer and soldier who had shared the dangers of various battles) to double the guard and take other precautions, as he had reason to believe that an attack upon the town was meditated by a band of the enemy that had been seen upon the west bank of the Nueces. Having given the lieutenant such instructions as he thought necessary, he called Felix, and pro- ceeded towards San Antonio. "Now, Felix," said Wilson. " Open your ears and hear what I am going to say ," added the captain. '■'■ Locoynote yer sentements — 'luminate de natur ob de subjeck," responded Felix. ' ' You see I am going into the toAvn ": ' ' " I know what for, massa?" " Name it, you colored specimen." "He, he ! keep cool, massa Kentuck ; don't go for to bein' hard on dis nigger feller ; you're a gwine up to see dat harnsum white gal ; heah, heahl" " Right, Felix, for once in your life." "Don't blame ye, massa ; I used to go to see a white gal once." " You-r " Ob course." " Come, Felix, be careful." " Yes, sare." " Do you sec this rifle?" " Does I see dat rifle?" "Yes." " Ob course I does." "Well, take it, and I will tell you what I want you to do with it." " Splanify de natur ob de case, massa cap'en." ■Wilson walked on a little while in silence, while Felix followed close at his heels. " Now," he resumed, stopping just witliin the town, " I want you to stand here with the rifle, and if you hear any disturbance, or see anything that looks like an attack from the enemy, fire, and then run to the camp as fast as you can, and turn out the Rangers." " Yes, sare. I'll give ye a tall speciment ob runnin' ; I'se good at dat." " I've no doubt but you will do the running part well ; but you must tell Lieutenant Came- ron what you have seen as soon as you reach camp." "Well, what'll dat be ?" "Why, you rascal ! your skull wants rasp- ing down. How should I know what you will see or hear ? It may be one thing, or it may be another, and perhaps just nothing at all." "Dat 'luminates de cocoe ob dis nigger; I magnify's de 'hole at a glance. But wouldn't it be safer not to fire till I get to de camp?" " Snappin' turtles, and Kentucky alligators I" cried the captain ; " your head is bullet proof. It might be safer for you, but not for me." " You can't be safe wid dat Miss Marianna, no how ; dem bright eyes ob hers will do de bisness in less dan no time, if not sooner. Dare's a great deal ob de magnifice)d fluid in dem top luminaries . Yah , yah ! ' ' With a good-natured laugh the honest Ken- tuckian repeated his injunctions and walked on ; 56 THE TEXAN BRAVO. in a few minutes he found himself blushing be- neath the battery of Marianna's eyes. Before leaving camp, he had deliberately resolved to speak to her in relation to the subject nearest his heart, but now that he was foce to face witli her, he was unable to say a word regarding the matter uppermost in his mmd. Marianna received him with uncommon kind- ness, and after some preliminary remarks and many blushes, she proceeded to relate what had passed between Cogswell and herself ; repeating in detail, so far as she could recollect, all he had threatened concerning the destruction of Bexar. Captain Wilson listened with breathless at- tention and rising indignation. " It appears, then," said the latter, "that he has joined the band of Mexican outlaws that is hovering about the Nueces river. His threats are by no means idle, and no doubt he intends to do all he has spoken of. I thank you sin- cerely for the confidence you have reposed in me, and it affords me inexpressible pleasure to have the means of protecting you in my power ; also to feel assured that you have no — no — " "No what?" asked Marilinna, innocently. " No friendship for a man capable of such baseness," he added, greatly embarrassed. "I always feared him, and instinctively shrank from him. But tell me if you really think Bexar in danger ?" "Bexar can never betaken," said the cap- tain, earnestly, " whil(^ half a dozen Texan Rangers live to 'look through the double sights.'* Rest assured that when Cogswell marshalls his forces about the dwelling wliose roof covers Marianna Lee, that we shall be near." The captain spoke enthusiastically, and was repaid by a timid yet grateful look from the maiden. ' ' Our foes are cowards, " he resumed. ' ' They turn pale when they hear the report of a Texan rifle. They know that we are devoid of fear. * The most important of all manoeuvres -vve un- derstand better than any nation on the f;ioe of the earth, and that is to look through the double sights with a steady arm. — Gen. Green. and can fight better than any other foe they ever faced. Let Cogswell presume to cross this threshold, no matter if he be followed by an hundred of his Mexican allies, he shall perish ignobly, or retire baffled, and burning with mortification." Your bold words re-assure me," said Marianna. " If I dared," added Wilson, desperately, " to say what — what — " " You have said what twice, captain," re- marked Marianna, demurely. "Shall I call brother James?" "No — yes — by all means — certainly not," stammered the captain, dreadfully embarrassed, and an awkward silence ensued. " I had thought,'' resumed Wilson at length, and then quite broke down ; and Marianna was so much confused herself, that she lost her presence of mind and could not say a word. The captain choked and went on again. " I can face an enemy,'' he said, and stuck again. " Certainly," murmured Marianna, wlio now really felt called upon to say something. " I can face an enemy, but find it impossible to say — that is, to express, what I would like to on all occasions," added AVilson, with an effort such a.s a drowning man makes to catch at a straw. < Marianna was now trembling and blushing very much, and still trying to look perfectly unmoved and compo.sed. " I thought James would return before this time," she managed to articulate. "Marianna — " continued the captain. "les — " said the maiden. "Did you say yesV he added, wiping the cold perspiration from his forehead. "Yes," said Marianna. " Is it possible that I am so happy as to be— " "What?" asked the maiden, dropping her embroidery and scarcely knowing wlierc she was, or who she was. " Alligatoi-s and Kentucky bosses?" ex- claimed Wilson, frantically. "I'm a blunder- ing schoolboy. The fact is, I love you." THE TEXAN BRAVO. 57 " Dear me !" said Marianna, striving to hide .her confusion. "Yes, dear you,'''' answered the captain, turning from red to pale, and from pale to red in an incredibly short space of time, and taking her hand very cautiously and respectfully. Marianna burst into tears, and felt that her heai't was beating very ftist, and that her cheeks must be dreadfully crimsoned, especially after the captain was so bold as to draw her towai-ds him, and , but for her sake we will not finish the sentence. The "ice," as the saying is, was now " bro- ken," and a mutual understanding seemed to be speedily brought about. If Marianna trembled and wept, it was not because she was unhappy ; while the captain was filled with wonder at the progress he had made, and was ready to believe that he was at camp asleep and dreaming pro- foundly. He had just begun to think there was some foundation in his dreams, when Mr. Lee and James appeared ; a circumstance, which, however agreeable it might have been at any other time, certainly did not wholly harmonize with his feelings now. Beside, his extreme modesty and ba.shfulness left him still in doubt as to the state of Marian- na' s affections. What would have seemed am- ply sufficient to a more experienced man in love matters, appeared enigmatical and of dubious meaning to him ; though on the whole he felt very well satisfied that he was getting along so finely ; and we presume the discerning reader is pretty much of the same opinion. Other subjects were now discussed by the new-comers, and the threats which Cogswell had made against the peace and safety of San Anto- nio de Bexar was fully talked over. By this time the captain had forgotten Felix, and the solitary vigil he was keeping. The moments winged themselves rapidly away, and the small hours of the night approached. Suddenly there was the crack of a rifle that reverberated sharply from street to street ; and brought the captain to his feet, as though he had received a powerful shock from a galvanic battery. " Bring out your weapons!" he exclaimed; " there is danger near ; perhaps the town is attacked." IMarianna's cheek grew pale, and she thought of Cogswell's threats. The captain's trepida- tions vanished at once. The sound of the rifle and the prospect of a fight, aroused all his war- like blood and quickened his energies. He could now speak firmly and calmly, and express his wishes without difficulty. The bright eye of a maiden might abash him, but from the eye of an enemy he never shrank. "Hark!" he exclaimed. "I hear the tread of armed men ; they approach the house. Hand me out one of those rifles. Miss Lee, do not fear — keep out of the range of the windows ; extinguish the lights. ' ' Wilson stepped to the window the moment the lights were extinguished, and looked out. The street in front was full of men. The captain fell back and spoke to his two companions in whispers. "There are men in front of the house ; they are preparing to enter ; be ready to give them a volley. Marianna and her mother had better retire to a situation less They now heard the gate, which gave access to the little yard in front, opened softly. They were obviously meditating a surprise. Yovmg Lee was no longer able to curb his curiosity, and followed Wilson's example of re- connoitering from the window. He laid his hand nervously upon the captain's arm, saying in a voice noti,^bove his breath : "I see a ^-ure that resembles Cogswell. And look ! thd^e with him are Mexicans. I know them by t^eir jaunty rig, an m\^\\ colors, if by no other means. Cogswell is disposed to keep rather in the back ground, and put his fellows forward." " He's a coward," said Wilson. " Do you know what I think he's here for, with those ugly chaps ■?" "I don't," replied the captain. ' ' I will tell you ; 'tis to carry off 3Lirian- na." " Do you think he will doit?" asked the ranger, significantly. 58 THE TEXAN BRAYO. "If he does, he'll have to carry off several of us, or settle up our earthly accounts for us," answered young Lee, firmly. "Can you see him now?" whispered the captain, looking anxiously forth in the dark. " I can't ; he has stepped back. What does this delay mean, I wonder?" " Surrounding the house, most likely. Lis- ten ! they are trying the door." The door wiis shaken gently at first, and more violently anon, by those without. The parties within waited long enough for these pre- parations to assume form sufficiently offensive to warrant them in acting on the defensive, when Wilson urged the projiriety of fii'ing upon them. His companions were not averse to this proposition, for James had been anxioxis to look throng'h the sights for the last five minutes. " You see a cluster of fellows there by the gate V" said the ranger. " Yes," said Lee, " and we will thin it out." " A fine chance for a s-hot," continued Wil- son ; '-let us improve it." The moon whose light had been hitherto deeply obscured by clouds, now shed a momen- tary gleam upon the SAvarthy fjices of the group, revealing dimly their outlines. They stood, carelessly leaning upon their cscopetas, as if waiting some signal from their companions at the door, not dreaming that their presence was suspected by the inmates. "Give them your lead''' wliispered the ranger. The report of three rifles breaking suddenly upon the stillness of the night, and upon the unsuspecting ears of those without, gave a start- ling indication that they were discovered. A sharp cry of "jiain was heard, a few half- uttered exclamations and curses, and when the smoke had cleared away, not h Mexican was to be seen ; but very soon there was a shower of balls against the house, perforating the walls, and shivering the glass, doing no other injury. It was in vain that Wilson strained his eyes to catch a glimpse of the figure of Cogswell ; he took good care not to expose his person. There was an interval of silence, and a sus- pension of offensive operations on the part of the belligerents ; they were doubtless holding a con- sultation. But the temporary calm was of short duration ; a general attack upon the dwelling speedily followed, and it was very certain that those within could not long defend it when there was such a disparity of numbers. Doors, windows, and every assailable part was assailed simultaneously. Lee and his compan- ions fought with heroic courage ; they passed from window to window, dashing back their enemies, and putting forth efforts that seemed well nigh above human capacity. Wilson thought of Marianna, and as he be- held the foe fast gaining ground, the thought was fraught with unspeakable agony. She would umjuestionably be torn from him, and UTevocably lost to him at the very crisis when he was sure that he had some share in her affec- tions. In every assailant he iioped tu meet Cogswell ; and grown desperate at length, he loudly called on him and dared him to an encounter ; but there was no response, and Wilson cursed his cowardice. The enemy were pouring in at the window, and for tlie first time the bold ranger experienced a feeling of despair. He thought of Cameron, and would have given his right hand to hav(j heard the steady steps of the Texan Eangers. " Wliere are my brave fellows !" he exclaim- ed. "What can keep them away so long?" At that critical juncture, to render the scene more deploraljle, Marianna and her mother rushed into the apartment closely pursued. The ranger threw his arm about Marianna, and with his good sword defended her bravely, making his own fearless bosom a bulwark for her defenceless head. The hand that had felt weary but a moment before, was endowed with double energy ; for the gentle being whom he now pressed to his heart had restoreil all his strength, and fired his darmg soul with uncoii- querable determination. " We are lost I" cried Lee. •but we mil perish doing our duty." THE TEXAN BRAVO. 59 "Yes, we will all die together," said Mrs. Lee. " Our separation will be momentary, our re-union speedy." " Yield !" cried a voice from the middle of the assailants; "yield, and we will spare your lives." " 'Tis Cogswell !" exclaimed Mrs. Lee. " No, villain I we will fight it out," replied Lee. "We will not yield our defenceless women to you ; they prefer to die honorably with us." "Desist!" shouted Cogswell once more; " every moment you endanger the lives of those you love." "Meet me like a man," cried Wilson; "come forward, and let us decide this matter face to face." "Never I" replied Cog.swell. "The affair iii already decided. You are surrounded, and cannot hold your ground three minutes longer. Relinquish your hold upon that girl, whose life you are recklessly exposing, and I will withdraw my men." The ranger's blood boiled with indignation, and he made desperate efforts to cut his way through the levelled lances to reach Cogswell. Suddenly there came sounds that made every heart leap and every ear tingle. The points of both lance and sword fell to the ground ; for the trumpet tones of Cameron were ringing upon the air. " Forward, my lads — forward — steady — now give it to the swarthy d — Is !" The deadly crack of the Texan rifles fell like sharpest thunder upon the senses of the assail- ants within the dwelling ; they rushed simulta- neously towards doors and windows, struck with a frightful panic ; and many of them fell pierced with rifle balls while forcing themselves out. "Was there ever sweeter music?" cried Wilson, as the rifles continued to utter their voices of death. "Never, since the world was made," replied Lee. "Cameron and the Rangers forever! God bless them !" "Those without are flying," sail! James. Captain Wilson sprang to the wndow, still supporting Marianna, and shouting the name of Cameron. The well-known voice of their com- mander reached the ears of the Rangers, and they cheered him to the echo. In an instant Cameron sprang in through a sliattered window, and Wilson wrung his hand in expressive silence ; the hearts of all paitias were too full to speak. The dark face of Felix appeared in the win- dow. " Go yer death, massa Kentuck !" " All safe, Felix," said the ranger, in a low voice. " Where's massa Ethington?" The captain's countenance fell, and he looked inquiringly at Cameron ; the latter shook his head. The African glanced from one to the other, and his large eyes displayed a frightfid quantity of white. "Here's a scrape for dis nigger!" he ex- claimed. " You'd better all on ye be dead, and dis child better be dead too. Why don't yer Ruminate de subjeck, some on ye?" "We can't," said the captain. " I would most gladly, if I could. I trust he is safe, however." " I shan't 'spress my idees till I know sun- thin' 'tickerlar in regard to de natur ob de pe- cooliar carcumstancesobdecase," replied Felix, ominously. " But if dis darkey," he added, " wai- to promulgate any 'pinion, it wouldn't be ambigerous to de happiness ob dis occasion." Lights were speedily procured, the dead and wounded removed by the Rangers, and such precautions for the general safety taken as the case required. The enemy were completely routed, and the bold Texans had the pleasure of receivmg the heartfelt thanks of the people of Bexar, whose homes they had defended. CHAPTER XL THE SCOUTING PAKTY. I PON the following morning FelLx was seen wandering about with a melancholy and dejected air. His master could not be found, and no one could give any infomiation respect- ing his fate. Ridgley communicated to the caj> tain what had transpired at his house the night previous, and how opportunely the young man had appeared to do him an important service ; he had hastened away to join the Rangers, and that was all he knew of his movements on that occasion. All agreed that he was either captured or slain, and as his body could not be found, they had good reason to suppose that he was a prisoner. As Felix was walking up and down in the vicinity of the Texan camp, with a sad counte- nance, he beheld the lad he had seen at San Jacinto (and who always seemed to be near Pwidgley) approaching. "Well, Massa 'Gustus," said Felix, "the Mexicums hab cotched Massa Ethington at last." " So I have heard," replied Augustus. " What do you intend to do?" "What am I gwine to do?" "Yes, Felix" " I know what I'd do, if I could." "What?" "I'd send dat white g-al dat disappinted him, to de plenopetentiary for life,'*'«iid Felix. " 0, you wouldn't be so bad, I know," an- swered Augustus, promptly. " Perhaps she deserves it, though," he added, quickly. " If she don't, nobody does." " There's no knowing what girls will do," said Augustus. " Dat's a fack ; dey isn't to be tnisted, no how." " I suppose you wiU try and find your mas- ter, Felix?" said Augustus, looking searchingly at the African. " You may bet yer life on dat, Ma.ssa 'Gus- tus. If dis child can't find him, dere's no live nigger that can." " I like your spirit," added the lad. "I have half a mind to go with you." " YouV exclaimed Felix, rather contempt- uously. THE TEXAN BRAVO. 61 "Yes, me," answered Henrie, striking him- self lightly upon the chest with his gloved hand. "Well, you look like it!" added the negro. "Heah, heah !" " Why do you laugh, Felix?" "Why does I laugh V" "Yes." " To hear such a dainty little fellow talk ob gwine wid me. Yah, yah !" "It's not always the largest person that can do the most, Felix. You know where there's a will to do good, there's always a way." " So I've heered ; and you showed a heap o' kindness to massa when he was wounded. He speak ob you bery ofFen since he's been here. He said he couldn't keep you out of his mind, on no 'count whatsornever." " Did he really say that?" asked Augustus, earnestly. " I thought he didn't seem to like me very well for some reason." " Well, he got ober dat, and felt bery lone- some and solemcholy 'kase you wasn't here. I've heered him call Massa 'Gustusniany a time in his sleep." , Upon hearing these words the features of the youth were lighted up with a strange gleam of satisfaction. " Ah, well, it is pleasant to be remembered by those whoMi'we esteem," said Henrie, with a faint smile. " It makes the heart feel ligliter." "Do you tink cullud persons hab hearts, massa?" " There can be no doubt of it," replied Au- gustus. "I have known some very respectable negroes whose sensibilities were as acute, ap- parently, as a white person's. In regard to your master, I hope you will leave no means untried to aid him. If you need any pecuniary assistance, I shall be most happy to assist you." " Tank you, massa, but I don't need nothin' in dat line," answered Felix. Wishing the latter success, Augustus turned and walked to the camp of the Texan Rangers, and was met on the way by Captain Wilson, who manifested much pleasure as well as sur- prise at the unexpected event, jisas river. " ''■^ the '•"' ", " probably aware of the fact that Mr. Ethington, the brave gen- tleman, to whom you showed considerable kind- ness, is missing^ and was doubtless captured during the skirmish of last night." "Yes, I know," replied the youth, "and have come to ask what you intend to do?" " I will tell you, my lad, with pleasure. I shall take a few of my bravest and trustiest fellows, and follow the enemy as for as an In- dian follows the trail of a marauding war-party. It I never shall be said of an alligator from Old Kentuck, that he deserts a friend in the time of his extreme need. No, no ; that wont do ; I must shoulder my rifle, take their track, cross the Nueces, traverse prairies, forest and chap- parels, in search of my friend." "It gives me pleasure to hear you say so !" exclaimed Augustus, warmly. " I knew you were of a bold and chivalrous nature." ' ' Whether that be the case or not, the man whom I am going to seek is the soul of soldiery, the heart of honor ; and I will never forsake him, while there is a chance, how^ever small it may be, of serving him. If I cannot avert his fate, I will incur the risk of sharing it, if I can flo nothing more ; friendship requires as much as this." " Possibly it is too late to V ♦ ' '•iuy essential service to him," added Augustus, in a low voice. " Very true. He has been an object of par- ticular dislike to our enemies fiom first to last ;' and it is gi'eatly to be feared that they will make short work with him ; more especially if the man called WikofF and tlie villain Cogswell have anything to do with the matter." "You think this WikofF whom you have mentioned, is an enemy to him ?" said Augus- tus. ' ' A most bitter and uncompromising one ; for you see there is a woman in the scrape." " I have heard that he loves my cousin An- drea," returned Henrie. "Yes, and that makes all the trouble. It appears that Ethington was sure enough of the girl, and loved her tenderly, until some fiital misunderstanding, the nature of which I do not 62 THE TEXAN BRAVO. exactly know, and never could find out," ob- served Wilson. " It is to be regretted that he never tried to have the difficulty expkined," resumed Au- gustus, thoughtfully. " He did not like to say much about the sub- ject ; and the foct was, he said it never could be explained ; but it is my opinion that this same WikofFhad an agency in the affair," an- swered the captain. " Have you seen Mr. Ridgley, this momlng V" "I have, and he told me of the unwarrant- able attack on his mansion, and of the service rendered by our mutual friend, Ethington. It appears that Mr. Ridgley is Miss St. Aubert's uncle?" '.' Yes." " You know her, then ?" " Very well, but not quite so well as I wish I did," said the youth, with a sigh. " Why, my lad, you are not in love with her, are you?" " 0, no; but I like her very well when she pleases me." " Is she handsome ?" " Rosalia thinks she is." " Well, what do you think ?" " My opinion isn't worth much on such mat- ters ; but I should say that she had a fair share of beauty, though not much more than usually falls to the lot of young ladies. She has regu- lar features, and Rosalia says a very good figure, but I imagine I could find fault with both." "Rosalia is Mr. Rldgley's daughter?" " And consequently my cousin, also." "Well, I hope it will all come right ultimate- " No one desires such an event more sincere- ly than the youth now before you,'' added Henrie, sighing. With mutual good wishes tlie parties sepa- rated, the captain to make the necesssary prepa- rations for pursuing the enemy, and the other to follow the bent of his own fancies, whatever they might be. Cameron and a half-dozen of the boldest and liardiest of the Rangers were selected ^o carry out the object in view, while the company wa3 left in command of the second lieutenant until they should return. The eaptain did not con- sider it safe to take more men, as the town might be again attacked, when all would be needed in its defence. Well armed, and feeling fully prepared for any emergency, the little party set off on the expedition, followed by the good wishes of those who remained behind. They crossed the Rio San Miguel, and directed their course towards the Nueces. Felix had joined Wilson and his brave fellows, greatly elated with the prospect of being of any service to his master. It was found a matter of some difficulty to trace the enemy. They were obliged to pro- ceed slowly, and with the observance of much caution, to prevent a surprise by large parties of Mexicans who might be scouring the country in that vicinity. During the first half day's travel, numerous signs of the retreating enemy were seen ; but after passing a small tributary of the Rio Frio, they discovered that they were uo longer guided by the landmarks that had direct- ed their footsteps previously. The region which they were now entering differed materially from that behind them, being covered with dense chapparel and stunted trees, interspersed with ponds and small salt lakes. After spending considerable time to find traces of the enemy, and the night approaching, it was thought best to camp in the neighborhood, and prepare for a more thorough and earnest search upon the following day. AVilson and Cameron stood apart from their companions. With folded arms and thoughtful faces, they watched the shadows of night steal- ing over lake and chapparel. " An hour like this casts a spell uix)n my spirit," said Cameron. "I love to see the glare of day fade and give place to the dim placid twilight." " I have similar feelings," replied Wilson ; "but I like night best when more advanced to- ward the small hours, and the moon and stars I are mildly beamirr " THE TEXAN BRAYO. 63 Cameron made no reply, and the parties re- mained silent. Wilson was the first to speak. "That's a heavy rifle of yours," he said, glancing at the weapon upon which Cameron was leaning. " I dare say it has heen of ser- vice to you in its time ?" " No money could induce me to part with it, because I have proved its metal on many occa- sions. Did I ever tell you of an adventure that I had once nearEed river?" " You never did ; I should like to hear it." said Wilson. " Several years ago," re.sumed Cameron, " I was hunting near Cross Timbers,* not far from E.ed river. The Indians were then trouble- some, and frequently committed their depreda- tions upon the frontier settlements ; but I was fond of hunting, and cared little for them, will- ing to trust to my own courage and ingenuity m any emergency that might occur. I carried this same rifle, and wa.s called one of the best .>ot of the long swell or roll upon which I was standing. " He stood in an oj^en space, and at first I wondered how that could be, as the grass wa.s so high in every other place ; but the affair soon explained itself. " More careful observation showed me that the solitary figure was an Indian, and his object in plucking up the dry grass was evident ; he was going to fire the prairie I It was doubtless the same fellow that had escaped at the time when I had been fired at. He had discovered my retreat, and was about to revenge his comrade in a signal manner. "The wind was blowing fresh towards me. and if the grass was once set on fire, no power on earth could save me, for the fleetest horse could not run fast enough to escape its devour- ing flames. A terrible dread of that kind of a death came over me. I stood like one fascina- ted, and gazed at the preparations of the savage. He stood in the middle of the open space he had made, with a blazing torch in his hand. Innumerable thoughts rushed through my mind in an instant of time. I was never so complet»i- ly paralyzed and stupefied before in my \ih. The power of thought seemed the only power left me. and that was stimulated to an unnatu- 64 THE TEXAN BRAVO. ral degree. The past, present and future were reviewed and speculated upon in that brief and broken fragment of time in which the savage stood waiting for the brand to burn up more brightly before he thrust it into the grass. ' ' Yes ; my destiny was to be burned ! Some hunter or traveller would find my body charred and blackened ; and others, after a time, would pass my bones bleaching in the sun. I shud- dered ; my eyes felt hot ; my tongue was dry, and I imagined that I felt the flames creeping over me. If it had been a danger that I could have battled with, or if I could have seen any chance for escape depending upon my own exer- tions, it would have been different ; but now all I could do was to stand and stare the most dreadful of all deaths in the face. You must re- member that all these ideas and reflections rushed through my brain in the shortest appre- ciable space of time ; for you must know that the sudden prospect of great danger from which there is no apparent mode of escape, imparts to the brain a horrible faculty of thought, of which the mind at rest can form no possible con- ception. " I clcsed my eyes in despair, and commend- ed my soul to God ; but it was impossible for me to close my vision against the one great and absorbing idea in my mind — that of being burnt up like a vile reptile that crawls in the weeds. " My lids unclosed again, and as they did so, my eyes rested upon my trusty rifle ; it was the first time I had thought of it, for the distance was great between me and my enemy ; but now it looked like an old friend, and the only one that had power to save me. "I embraced the thought that the sight of my rifle called up, with joy — a species of joy which is nearly overpowered by an antagonizing feeling. " One chance still remained — a small chance it was true, but still a chance ; and despair cannot completely paralyze and subdue the heart, while even one faint hope remained. I lifted the instrument upon which hung my destiny. As my glance ran over the intervening distance, I felt how desperate indeed was my prospect of life, for an hundred good marksmen might try then- skill in vain, in aiming at an object so far off. Then I remembered that my weapon was of uncommon calibre and weight, and would throw a ball farther than any I had ever seen. I recollected also that I had loaded it that very day with uncommon care, and for a long shot. " The Indian moved the torch, and was about to apply it to the combustible material ; there was no time to lose. The rifle came to my shoulder quick and firm, and I braced up my nerves for a steady aim with a strong effort of the will. I looked through the 'double sights,' and the muzzle covered the Indian's head. My heart seemed to stop beating, held in the grasp of that terrible suspense. It was but an in- stant — then the rifle sent its ounce and a half of lead on its mission with a crack that was un- usually loud and sharp, and a recoil which threw me back a few paces. "The smoke curled away, but I dared not look. I passed my hand slowly across my forehead, for my brain was throbbing painfully. Every moment I expected to be greeted by a dense smoke from the burning prairie, Jttid to hear the hissing of the rushing flame ; but notli- ing of the kind occurred, and I ventured to look towards the spot where the savage had stood with his torch ; I took courage, reloaded my rifle, and hastily walked towards the place. " I reached it — the Indian lay upon his back — the brand, half extinguished, beside him ; an ounce and a half of lead had passed through his head. I sank down overpowered with gratitude, and the various emotions which such an incident was calculated to inspire. That was the great- est shot I ever made, and probably shall never equal it again. Can you wonder that I am at- tached to the rifle V" "Not at all," said the captain, earnestly. " I should never part with it, if it was mine." CHAPTER Xll. ESCAPE OF WILSON— =THE FORT. iF^ AllLY In the morning Captain Wilson and llCffj Lieutenant Cameron, leaving their horses with their companions, left the camp on foot to reconnoitre. Being well acquainted Avith the habits of their enemies, they apprehended little or no danger in such a movement, and soon separated. Wilson struck off to the right, and pursued a north-westerly direction over a rough and unin- viting tract of country, often obliged to force his way thi-ough rausquit-bushes so tliickly mat- ted with vines that it was a work of some diffi- culty to proceed. At length he reached a more open region, and was able to go forward with less exertion. The wide rolling prairies, characteristic of most of the country between the Nueces and the Colorado, were no longer seen. The captain entered a narrow defile, and after following it for some time, ascended a sharp hill, at the foot er Ethington felt that degree of gratitude to a higher poWer whifch most men under similar cir- cuni.?tances would have felt, wc are not prepar- ed to say ; bnt it is certain tbct the startling incidents of the day produced a long train of re- flections which were not without their beneficial resul'f? upon his mind. He thought of Andrea with less bitterness, and bis whole being was pervaded bjf a more forgiving spirit towards her. He was even dis^ posed to regret his hastiness in leaving her so abruptly, without first Seeking an explanation. The many imperfections in his own character had never appeared so palpable. Though his heart was softened by the ^pell of his better angel, his coUrnge and natural energy W" charac- ter w'«)'e not yet subdued. He felt within himself the same energy fo overcame difficulties, or to meet a foe; that had heretofore characterized him and given him the name (among his enemies) of the " Texan Bravo;'* an appeHatioft which, though not en- tirely deserved, could very well be applied to THE TEXAN BRAVO. him ; for tbe Texan soldiery was considered by the Mexicans as little better than organized bands of banditti and villaihs, and our hero the njost daring and desperate among them. While he rode on in thoughtful silence, he often heard himself made the subject of conver- sation by those around him, and had the honor of knowing that he was considered a dangerous man, and as sanguinary in his disposition as any bravo that ever walked the streets of Venice in times long gone. Before the expiration of the day, he learned that they were on the way to Laredo, a ^lexi- can town on the east bank of the Rio Grande, destined to figure somewhat, sometime after, in the annals of the Mier expedition. Leaving a large post oak bog (in which Gen- eral Somerville afterwards got mired with his seven hundred and sixty men, horses and packs) on the left, they pushed rapidly forwaid and reached Laredo after three days' travel. Dur- ing this time Ethington was treated with as much kindness as he had reason to expect from such people. The moment that they drew rein at Laredo, he was thrust into a c;ponded Wilson. "It is quite dark now and I need delay no longer." The door was opened cautiou.sly ; the manly form of Cameron passed out, and all was still. They listened breathlessly, but no sounds came back to tell them of theii- comrade's fate. They ventured to hope that he had baffled the vigil- ance of the enemy and reached tlie opposite side of the lake in safety. " I think I can see some object in the water," said one of the men. " So can I,'' said Felix. "Where?" asked Wilson. The first speaker indicated the spot with hLs finger. "I seel" exclaimed the captain, energeti- cally. " It's Cameron ; he is swimming across the lake. His rifle is lashed upon his back, and he strikes out boldly ; but I fear this sudden burst of moonlight will betray liun." "He Ls still within gunshot of the enemy," added tlie other ; " they could riddle him with tlieir bullets in a moment.'' THE TEXAN BRAVO. 85 •' He's a strong swimmer," said the captain, *' but I fear the chances are greatly against him. Hark ! I hear the centinela alerta of the senti- nels. Cameron has gone down ; but he breaks water and appears above the surftice again. He is yet undiscovered : I believe he will suc- ceed." The pai'ties watched the brave swimmer until he passed round a small headland and was no longer visible. From each heart there went up a silent yet earnest prayer for his safety. In the long catalogue of human miseries there is none more dreadful than the agonies of in- tense thirst. The Rangers had already begun to feel its hon'ors ; lips were parched, tongues hot and dry. If they slept, they saw in their dreams delicious streams of water that mocked their thirst. But necessity is the mother of expedients ; with such implements as they had, the men be- gan to dig a hole within their narrow precincts. After much labor they had the pleasure of seeing the excavation gradually fill with dirty looking water ; but they drank it eagerly and with grate- ful hearts. Their courage now revived, and the enemy heard them cry viva la Texas, with an energy that surprised them. "Wilson declared that the muddy liquid was the sweetest water he ever drank. We wiU not follow the devoted band step by step in the sufferings which they experienced for the next two days. We will not describe then- hollow cheeks and sunken eyes, nor paint the inroads of hunger upon constitutions natu- rally robust. But there were no murmurings heard. Stem resolution and defiance was writ- ten in legible characters upon every face. Each spoke hopefully, and no one thought of sur- rendering. Each remembered the fate of Tra- vis and Bowie, Crocket and Fannin. When- ever an enemy came within range, he instantly covered the sight of a Texan rifle ; and it was next to a miracle if he escaped. On the night of the second day after the de- parture of Cameron, the assailants made a des- perate attempt to storm the little fort. Be- 6 lieving that the Texans must inevitably be m a poor condition to fight, they resolved to defer the moment of triumph no longer. The Kentuckian encouraged his companions, and determined to beat them back or j>erish. All was done that the most exalted courage could suggest, or the most dogged o])stinacy inspire. The men fought with the desperation of des- pau- ; but hunger had enfeebled them, and con- tinued watching, anxiety and exertion had wasted their energies to an alarming degree. None were more daring or efficient than Felix. He used his master's rifle with gi-eat effect, and manifested a spirit of determined bravery. "My friends and comrades," said Wilson, "the worst has come. We must either beat them off, or never see another sun rise. They will probably overpower us at last ; but we will die here and leave our bones to bleach beside those of poor Parker. Our countrymen will not forget us, and the Rangers will avenge our death. It is not so hard a thing to perish fight- ing for one's coimtry as cowards imagine. The good soldier rises superior to pain ; he feels but one slight pang and all is over." "They are all around us," said one of the men. " We can keep them out but little lon- ger; they will either burst in upon us, or burn us up." "If the Rangers were only here," replied Wilson. "We'll fight 'em to the death!" exelauned the other. "Here dey come like de debbil!" said Fe- lix. " Good-by, massa Ken tuck." The enemy were now attempting to force the door. At that instant, the surrounding country resounded with rifle shots, and the battle-cry of the " Lone Star " drowned the shouts of the as- sailants, and found many an echo among the hills and gorges. " 'Spress yerselfl Go yer death!" cried FeUx. "The Rangers, by heavens!" exclaimed Wilson. " Thank God, boys, we are saved." " Does ye hear dat?" added Felix, joyfully, 86 THE TEXAN BRAVO. as volley after volley was heard from the Rangers. " Dat's what does de good." "Hurra for Texans and Old Kentuck !" shouted Wilson. " The enemy are flying in all directions," said one of the men. " Ob course," added Felix, positively. " Dey'd whip de debbil !" "Here they come!" added the captain. " Open the door, men." The door was quickly unbaiTcd ; the brave fellows rushed out into the open air, and em- braced their companions with feelings of joy and gratitude that no pen can describe. "Where's Camei-on?" cried Captain Wil- son, as his brave company came dashing up to- wards him. " He's here," said a voice, and Cameron him- self pressed forward and grasped the outstretch- ed hand of Wilson. " I met our noble lads on the way," he said. " Eidgley had already warned them of our danger, and they were has- tening to our relief; but they would not have reached us in time to have been of any service, if I had not fell in with them and guided them on by the shortest and most practicable way. You need refreshment and rest, and, thank God, you can now sleep in safety!" he added, glancing proudly at the Rangers. " Yes," answered Wilson, with a smile of jiride ; "I can now sleep in safety, for I well remember how the Texan Rangers fought at San Jacinto, when we punished Banta Anna for his BIOS." CHAPTER XVI. THE f IN ALE. /;# E left Walter Ethington running from tlie carcel. He had not proceeded far, before tbe cries of the turnkey had turned out the guard and many of the citizens of Laredo. Our hero was surrounded just as he reached the plaza ; for not being acquainted with localities, he had taken the wrong direction. He prepar- ed for a determined resistance ; but the guard were brought suddenly upon him at a charge bayonet, and he was marched back to the carcel. As he was conducted to his cell, he met the personage who had attempted his life. His head was bleeding profusely, and he had just been relieved of the "jewelry."' He favored our hero with an expressive glance, and took occasion to remark, with a malicious grin : " That it was a very rascally world indeed!" As it Avas his turn to triumph, Walter bit his lips with vexation, and made no reply. ■ In a few moments he found himself established in his old quarters, and provided with 9, new set of irons much heavier than the former ones. It was use- less to repine, and he bore his disappointment with as much stoicism as possible. Carmencita did not visit him for several days, and he began to wonder at her long absence. At length she came. "I began to think you had forgotten me," he said, with a smile. " No, senor ; I seldom forget my promises; but you began to despair, it would seein, and so tried to escape without my assistance," she an- swered. " I attempted to regain my freedom," re- turned Walter ; ' ' and I think you will pronounce the trial excusable, when you learn that I nar- rowly escaped assassination." Walter then related the particulars of the in- cident which led to his futile endeavor to regain his liberty. Cai-mencita was greatly shocked at hearing this, and declared her determination to lay the matter before those whose business it was to look after such things. "My father has returned to Laredo," she added ; " and I have obtained an order for your liberation. In a few minutes you will be free from those irons." 88 THE TEXAN BRAYO. While she was speakiug, the smith appeared, aiid relieved him of his irons. " I feel like a man again," said Ethington, as he spurned the irons away with his foot, and felt that he once more had the entire control of his limbs. " I sent information to Bexar Ly a trusty messenger," continued Carmencita, "concern- ing your condition. The bearer of my message was fortunate enough to meet those who were interested in your fortunes. They await you a short distance from Laredo. You will be con- ducted to them, and the debt of gratitude which I owe you, will, in some mea-sure, be liqui- dated." " Fair Carmencita," replied Ethmgton, " how shall I express my thanks ? And what shall I say to the brave Cameron?" " Just what you please, senor," she answer- ed ; " except to tell him that he is not for- gotten." " He will be glad to hear from you ; I am quite certain that I have heard him speak your name. Captain Wilson used to rally him about a dark-eyed senorita," said Walter. Taking his leave of Carmencita with many expressions of esteem and professions of friend- ship, he was provided with a mustang, and con- ducted from Laredo with great secrecy and des- patch. " Yonder are your friends," said the guide, after a gallop of an hour. "I need go no farther." Ethington rode forward, and in a few mo- ments, to his surprise, beheld the tall figure of Ridgley ; and near him was Augustus Henrie, dressed as usual, and looking as foppish as ever. Our hero advanced and took the extended hand of Ridgley without reserve. "Your efforts to serve me," said Walter, "have disarmed me of prejudice. I confess Bfyself your debtor." "The account may be balanced at your lei- sure," replied Ridgley, smiling. " In relation to you, my young fnend," add- ed Walter, turning to Augustus Henrie, and taking his small, white hand, " I scarcely know what to say. You have served me with singu- lar fidelity and disinterestedness." " But never was so fortunate as to be much of a favorite," replied the youth, with a smile. " I will be frank," rejoined our hero, with a slight change of color. " I will confess that I did not formerly feel very friendly towards you." " You were inclined to think me rather fop- pish, I believe, Mr. Ethington," returned Au- gustus, good naturedly. " If I were ever so unkind as to do you in- justice, I trust you will pardon me ; for I regi-et my ingratitude very sincerely," resumed Wal- ter. " With pleasure, sir. With my smooth, beardless face and slight figure, it was perhaps natural that you should think me wanting in many manly attributes ; we -will let that pass." " I trust it will cure me of the foolish habit of judging by appearances," added our hero. " I cordially hope so," said Ridgley, earn- estly ; "for the very habit has cau.sed all your unhappinoss." " You aljudc to Andrea St. Aubcrt," re- plied Ethington, quickly, and with less cor- diality. " Upon that subject you know we never agree." ' ' I have heard that you once loved my cousin Andrea," rejoined Augustus. " You heard truly, my good youth. I loved her most devotedly ; but do me the justice to believe that I would not have bnjken off the con- nection without sufficient cause." " I have never sought your confidence," said Ridgley, "but I ask you now in the most earnest manner, and entreat you by any grati- tude or friendship which you may now be dis- po.sed to feel towards me, to speak plainly, and inform me why you left my niece, Andrea, m the abrupt and strange way which you did?" " I will do as you desire," answered Walter, sadly. "Upon a certain evening I witnessed an interview between her and another lover. I saw them part with mutual tears and embraces. The sight maddened me past endurance, and I have not been happy a moment since that fatal THE TEXAN BRAVO. 89 hour. Can yon wonder at my misanthropy — can you reproach me that I am miserable ?" " He can do better than that," replied Au- gustus. " He can inform you that that young man was her brother, who was to leave her that very hour to return to his class in a northern college." The party had dismounted and were standing near each other. At hearing this unexpected announcement, "Walter's cheek grew ashy pale, and he turned his eyes wildly toward Augustus. Springing forward, he caught him by the arm, exclaiming : " What is this I hear I What strange words would you utter?" The youth w:is much agitated, and unable to reply immediately, and Ridgley spoke. "The lad speaks the truth. Andrea St. Aubert is pure as the angels. She was incapa- ble of wronging you. Natures like hers are elevated far above such deceit. An enemy has imposed upon you." " Repeat what you have said," added Wal- ter, shaking the arm of Augustus with consid- erable impatience. " I would hear it repeated from your lips." "It is true — true as holy writ," stammered Augustus, greatly discomposed by the vehemence of Walter. " And that man was her brother !" cried the latter, flinging the youth from him. " Then I have wronged Andrea St. Aubert past forgive- ness ; my headlong haste has made me the most unhappy of men. I have been duped — cruelly duped." " You have," resumed Ridgley, " and WikofF Is the man. It was by his agency that you were induced to doubt her and seek proof of her guilt. He sent the false friend to you who led you to the place of the pretended meeting." " It must be so," returned Walter. " It appears to me," said Augustus, "that you were a little too precipitate. You should have seen my cousin Andrea, before you broke off the engagement. A word from her would have prevented all this long protracted miisunder- standino;." " Very true ; but that time has passed a.nd cannot be recalled. I can only lament my error, and punish the villain who has deceived me by cunning artifices." The revulsion that took place in the mind of Walter was very gi-eat, as well as unexpected. To hear that Andrea St. Aubert was innocent, was indeed a relief; but with the gladness con- sequent upon such a discovery, there was ming- led much self-reproach and bitterness. He per- ceived that he had been deceived and wronged by an artful rival, and while smarting under the supposed gi-ievances, had cruelly wronged one as dear to him as his own honor. As he rode forward towards Bexar, accom- panied by Ridgley and Augustus, and the half- dozen neiglibivs who had volunteered to assist the former, he was a subject of the deepest re- morse. " Did you really feel vcay friendship for An- drea?" asked Augustus, unconcernedly. " That's cool !" said Walter, coldly. " You ai-e not very deeply versed in matters pertain- ing to the affections?" " I don't care to be, if it makes people so desperate," retorted Augustus. "Wait till your beard grows," added Wal- ter, with a smile. " That win be a long time," said the youth, passing his hand over his smooth chin. " I think so," answered our hero. On the following day the party were agree- ably surprised by meeting the Texan Rangers, who were moving towards Laredo, fully deter- mined on Walter's release. It was a pleasant incident to our hero, for he felt a strong at- tachment for Captain Wilson and Lieutenant Cameron, as well as their brave fellows. Ethington was nuich affected at the recital of their sufferings, and the friendship they had manifested for him. The order to " right about face," was given, and the Rangers moved to- wards Bexar in the best of spirits. Felix was nearly wild with joy, and found it exceedingly difficult to " 'spress himself" on that occasion. Walter did not forget to have a long interview with Cameron, in which the name 90 THE TEXAN BilAYO. of Carmencita was often repeated, and the lieutenant appeared in excellent humor, while our hero was a gTeater favorite with him than ever before. It was observed soon after the party had crossed the Nueces that Felix was nowhere to be seen, and his master began to feel anxious for his safety. Presently he joined them at a gallop, swinging his hat and much excited. " Yah, yah ! heah, heah ! I's gin it to him !" he exclaimed, with an uncommon exhi- bition of ivory and whites of the eyes. " What have you done?" asked Walter. "Killed d3 dehhiir' replied Felix. "Let us follow him," said Wilson ; and the captain and Ethington spurred their horses after the x\frican. In a short time the latter drew up on the piece of bottom-land or interval, to which the attention of the reader has been be- fore directed. A man was lying upon the grass near the river. Walter threw himself from his horse and bent over him ; it was WikofF. The pains of death had already seized him. There was a dark spot upon his forehead ; a rifle ball had entered there, and the life-drops were oozing slowly out. " What means this?" exclaimed Walter. " It means that I am dying," said Wikoff, in a faint voice. " He's got de debbil, massa," said Felix. " Served him right," added WiLsou. " Go yer death !" cried the African. "Hush!" said Walter. "The man is dying." " It grows dark — earth is fading away," said WikofF. "I am not ready — would to God I could live for a day I" " You'll be a corpse before five minutes," added Wilson, bluntly. Wikoff tried to rise upon his elbow, but could not. His expression grew wild, and his eyes dim. " Andrea St. Aubert is innocent ; she loves you still," he said, in a hollow voice. These were his last words. Death stopped his utterance, and his eyes glossed over forever. Each stood silent a moment as if listening to the sound of the angel's wings, as he conducted away an erring soul. " Thus ends the career of a villain!" said Wilson. " Yes," replied Walter, with a sigh; "and may God forgive him." "You manifest a more Christian disposition than I ever expected you would," returned the ranger, as they moved away from the spot. As they rode to rejoin their friends, Felix turned in the saddle and shook his fist at the body of Wikoff. " What made you do it ?" a,sked Walter. " 'Kase I had a chance," said Felix. " He's made trubbil enuff. I've 'spressed de natur ob my con\-ictions on dat subjeck. He 'suited dis cullud pusson once on dat very spot." "Do you think," said AV alter to Augustus Henrie, "that I could have an interview with Miss St. Aubert ?" "For what purpose?" he a.sked. " To confess my fault, entreat her to pardon me, and say farewell. Will you be my mes- senger to Andrea?" " I will," replied the youth. " This very hour ?" added Walter. " This very hour," said Augustus. " Go then, my good youth, and I will await your return here at the camp. Do not keep me long in suspense, because my feelings during your absence will not be of the most enviable kind." Promising to be expeditious, and u.so all his influence with Andrea, Augustus departed upon his mission. After the lapse of an hour which seemed an age to Ethington, a color(,'d servant ])rought a note from Mr. Ridgley, stating that Miss St. Aubert had reluctantly granted his re- quest ; but begged that the interview might be as brief as possible. Our hero directed his steps towards Mr. Ridgk-y's mansion, agitated by emotions which no man in his senses could have coveted. He felt as a person might be supposed to feel who has committed some gi-eat crime, and is on his way to the confessional to unburden hLs con- science. THE TEXAN BRAYO. 91 "How would Andrea receive liim? how should he appear in 'her presence ? was there any hope that she wonld pardon him?" To none of these questions could he return a very encouraging answer. The man who fought at San Jacinto trembled violently when he en- tered the dwelling of Mr. Kidgley. He was conducted to the parlor and kept waiting a few minutes in a state of trepidation bordering on insanity. He heard the door open and light footsteps advancing ; he ventured to raise his eyes, and Andrea St. Aubcrt stood before him. She had lost nothing of that dazzling beauty which dis- tinguished her from all others of her sex. Wal- ter averted his gaze, and was too much embar- rassed to speak immediately. " I have presumed," he stammered, "Miss St. Aubert, to solicit an interview." Andrea made no answer. " I have come to confess my error. I do not expect you to forgive me, but I do wish you to witness my contrition, and hear me avow how deeply I regret what has happened." " Augustushastoldmeall," replied Andrea, striving to suppress her em.otions. "I have suffered much," continued Ething- ton. '"' I know it, Walter, and I freely forgive you. You were more sinned against than sin- ning," said Andrea, in a gentle voice. " I thank you from the deepest fountains of my heart for this condescension!" exclaimed Walter. " You will forgive me, then?" " For the sake of Augustus," said Andrea. " But your kindness is limited to a certain extent ; it leaves me nothing to hope from your love, and I did not expect it," resumed Walter. "To please Augustus," added Andrea. " Dare I believe what I hear !" he exclaim- ed, advancing and taking Andrea by the hand. " To please Augustus," repeated Andrea, with a smile. The next moment — no, that will not do ; the blushes of my heroine shall be spared. I have no right to describe what ensued. Who will dare embrace the mistress of his heart after a reconciliation, if it is to be put in print and pass before the optics of an hundred thoasand read- ers I It is not fair ; such moments of rapture belong wholly to those who experience them. " As you have done so much to please Augustus," said Walter, after an interval of expressive silence, " be good enough to ring the bell and send for him, that I may thank him as he deserves." Andrea wiped the happy tears from her eyes, and left the room. In a short time Augustus and Mr. Eidgley appeared. " In you I have had an excellent advocate," said Walter, embracing the youth warmly. " Through your intercession, I have been made the happiest of men." " It's a pity I am such a dandy," rejoined Augustus. ' ' I thought you had forgiven and forgotten that," added Walter, with a smile. " Where's Andrea? I wish to see you both together," "You shall," said Augustus ; and instantly throwing off his cap and outer garments, our hero saw both Augustus and Andrea in one. " Andrea St. Aubert !" exclaimed Ethington, recoiling with surprise. "Is it possible that I have been so stupid !" " 'Spress yerselfl promulgate — luminate de idee I" cried Felix, rushing into the roora. " Yah, yah ! heah, heah I" Walter turned towards Ridgley and attempt- ed to speak ; but his heart was too fujl. " She is unequalled," said Ridgley. " I feel that I am unworthy of her," replied Walter, greatly wrought upon by the singular ' ' denouement. "But to ^Ze«5e Augustus," said Andrea, archly. . \ " Yes," replied Walter, earnestly, " tojylease Augustus, I would undertake a pilgiimage to Jerusalem." "It is unnecessary," added Ridgley. " I can now understand how a certain chain was restored to me," added Walter. " I was her agent in that transaction," an- swered Ridgley. 92 THE TEXAN BRAVO. Gentle reader, we will dwell no longer upon these pages. Andrea St. Aubert and Walter Ethington were shortly after united, and the Rangers danced at the wedding. Captain Wil- son improved the opportunity to enter into a similar arrangement with Marianna Lee. There was much joy and hilarity upon the occasion, and Felix was never more " salubrious " in his life. ! Not long after this event, it was rumored that Cameron was about to follow suit, and that I Rosalia was engaged to the second lieutenant. Cogswell was never again seen or heard of iu that part of the country. Why should we linger to say that Walter and Andrea were happy ? It were useless to make the remark, for true love has the power to strew life's rough pathway with fadeless flowers. Time has written its years upon the record of eternity. The empire has rolled westward, and the "Lone Star " has become one of a glorious coHstellation. THE END. [rROM THE FLAG OF OUR UNION.] BY JOSEPH C. BAKER. CHAPTER I. Onk of the dearest reminiscences that comes through the long vista of the shadowy past, is the remembrance of Sweetbrier Cottage, and its dear old inmate, Cousin Patty, as she was fa- miliarly styled by the circle of us young ones, who loved to congregate within its loved pre- cincts, and listen to the tales of years agone that our kind hostess was ever willing to relate ; and many times have I caught myself with wide- ly distended eyes and gaping mouth, drinking In, what I then thought marvellous accounts, ])ut which I have since discovered to be stern reality. Methlnks'.even now I behold the kind old lady ensconced in her high-backed arm-chair, and presenting by no means, a small pattern of good- natured humanity, for she completely filled up her throne, which was of ample dimensions ; and as it was moved out on the porch in the calm summer twilight, with us grouped around our empress, I thought no place could be more envi- able, and I am sure we have never since tasted such unalloyed happiness as in those dear days of our innocent childhood. To describe that group as it then appeared, would be almost impossible, for all were of such different dispositions and appearance ; but an universal harmony always prevailed. The lead- er m all our pranks, the wildest, most unaccoun- table little creature in all that little band, was Nell May wood, a black-eyed, curly-headed girl of thirteen summers, who was scarcely ever known to proceed with any degree of studied propriety, as a skip, jump, or perfect run was always pre- 94 SWEETBRIER COTTAGE. ferred by lier to a steady walk ; she was a merry-hearted, sportive, fawn-like creature — ^but ah ! the world has sadly tamed her now ; and the very opposite to, though her firmest friend, was tlie gentle, lady-like IMary White, whose dark, hazel eyes were at times lit up with such a glow of enthusiasm as was totally at variance with her usual calm, steady system of deport- ment. She was continually trying to bring the giddy Nelly into some degree of subjection, and as often failed ; for as well might she have sought to chain the fitful breeze that came with occa- sional wild bursts through the bower of sweet- brier, that gave the name to our little fairy-like cottage, whose walls, as they gleamed here and there through the twining vines, were always as white and spotless as the driven snow. Carrie Lane and her twin sister, Lizzie, were often there too, and the sweetest little darling in the world, and the pet of Cousin Patty and the whole band, was Lilly Raymond, the tiniest little mortal for twelve years that could well be imagined, and right appropriately was she called Lilly, her clear white complexion, liglit blue eyes and sunny hued locks, could be compared to nothing else than that pure and gentle flower ; she appeared too good for this dark world of sin, and by far too fi'ail to battle with the rough waters of life ; and it cannot be wondered that she was our darling, and always claimed the fa- vorite seat on the low stool at Cousin Patty's knee, with the old lady's left hand playing with her soft silky curls, while with her right she made from time to time such appropriate mo- tions, as was to us the very perfection of elocu- tionary evolutions. Lil's brother Frank and myself were seldom absent from the circle, though the girls, especially Mary, often threat- ened to drive us forth, if we did not leave off our rough ways and teasing tricks, but we al- ways had a zealous champion in the frolicsome Nell, who would often join us against her gen- tler companions, though one coaxing look from Cousin Patty was sufficient to still our most boisterous mirth, and through her influence the boys were allowed to remain. The cottage was situated in the midst of one of the loveliest valleys of Penn, surrounded with its pretty garden, large fields of grain, gi'ass and wide-spreading orchards of the choic- est fruit, while beside it was the little whit-e barn with its red roof and tiny dove cot, Brin- dle and Cherry chewing their cud in the ample barnyard, and the turkeys, chickens and ducks keeping up an almost deafening cackling when- ever old Dinah distributed theii- evening food, making herself scarcely less noise than the feath- ered recipients of her bounty. " Now jes stop dat snatchen, yer nasty old gobla," she indignantly exclaims, as she makes a dive at the oflfender with the hoe handle, which luckily for his back he has the instinct to avoid ; while she turns her attention to other equally as culpable bipeds, and the little ban- tum rooster comes in for his share of reprimand, for she stoutly declares that "nobody wouldn't tink he was no 'lashun to missus no how, show- en off such pig manners, and Ise mighty shuar dat Dinah giv urn a better broughton up dan dat." Our merry band now, as usual at this hour, approached the cottage, and Nell, who had been gaily chatting all the way down the lane, but keeping her hands behind her, suddenly Icapd up to Dinah, as she was closing the barnyard door, and heaped upon her woolly pate an enor- mous wreath of oak leaves and cabbage roses, and she, full of surprise, blushing no doubt, if we could only see through her ebony complex- ion, with a low courtesy, wished us " goodeben- in', young folks," and with her towering crown, walked very majestically towards the dairy, greeted with a wild burst of merriment from us all, and even her mistress stood at the little gate shaking her fat sides with a hearty fit of laughter. Instead of being angry, the good natured negress soon came fo"rth with a large vessel of milk and cups, still bearing the crown, and de- claring herself " de queen ob night," and with her shining black countenance illAinated with her white teeth and rolling eyeballs, she was certainly a fit emblem of the empress of darkness. SWEETBRIER COTTAGE. 95 Having with all possible politeness received and acknowledged our treat, we, at the owner's invitation, entered the mansion of happiness, and Cousin Patty took her scat at the high -backed upright piano to play a country dance, with which she occasionally indulged us, and soon we were bounding through the most intricate figures ; this being ended, and all panting with exertion, though Nell declared that we did not dance half fast enough, we sat on the porch to rest, and then took a walk in the garden with the old lady, to see the bird nest she had found that morning, and watch the humming bird ex- tracting the sweets from the honeysuckle. When we returned to the porch, the last rays of the setting sun had died away, and the dear old chair being brought to its accustomed place, we as usual grouped ourselves around. Nell was the last to settle herself, and having, in her wild glee, obtained permission to give one laugh and a good scream, to which ample justice was ren- dered, she nestled down by the chair, occasion- ally gritting her teeth, shrugging her shoixlders, and dealing sundry pinches and punches out to me, to see, as she said, if a boy could take fun. It was a beautiful evening in June, the zephyrs came rustling through the sweetbrier, laden with a dehghtful fragTance, shaking the pink petals ai-ound in a perfect shower, and the white moon was faintly discernible in the clear blue sky. Nell for awhile had left off pinching, and with the girls, was coaxing Lilly into something to which she was rather loathe to acquiesce, but presently turning up her little sunny eyes, she timidly exclaimed : " Now, cousm Patty, do tell us why you never were married ; the girls persuaded me to ask, and you promised to tell us long ago." " yes, do, that's a kind, dear cousin," we all exclaimed ; we will be so quiet." A shade of melancholy for aa instant rested on her countenance, for causing which we all felt a pang at our hearts ; but quickly rcplacmg it with her happy smile, she answered : "Well, I suppose I must, smce you have been so patiently waiting. But it is a sad task to call up the bright visions of our youth, and tell how our loveliest dreams have faded ; yet from experience we must all learn, and like the bee that flies from flower to flower, we may ex- tract the sweetest store from the plainest blos- soms, and even the bitterest cup may contain a drop of honeyed nectar. " Now all of you know I was born in this very cottage, and many of your parents have sat in this same old porch, and ours perhaps was a merrier band than your own, though time has somewhat settled us now." " yes," said Nell, " I often hear mother talk about those happy days, and she says you were almost as great a romp as I ; now I won- der, if I will ever be as stout as you, Cousin Patty?" and she laughed merrily at the idea. " Perhaps so, sauce-box; well, we gambolled in these green fields and sheltering woods, until we passed the sunniest hours of our existence, and were fast verging into womanhood, when I received a pressing invitation to visit a maternal aunt in a neighboring city. As you may suppose, I was almost crazy to go, but my parents at first were not willing ; they thought their daugh- ter would be better in then: own quiet home, and right well did they judge. But it was other- wise ordained, and at my earnest entreaties joined with Cousin Anna's, I was permitted to go. No happier heart than mine ever beat in maiden's bosom, or gayer hopes or wilder vis- ions gushed and trembled in youthful breast, as I set off in the coach with my uncle for his city residence ; as I bade adieu to my parents, companions and the old homestead, I cried and laughed till I was almost beside myself vvith a combination of joy and grief. I had high antic- ipations of happiness in my new sphere of life, in the great metropolis, and sorrow at leaving all my dearest friends. " The journey was a pleasant and agreeable one, and when I arrived at my new home, I was received with every demonstration of kind- ness and hospitality. My aunt was very like .mother, though as became a city lady, more for- mal in her dress. She had the same warm heart, and received me with ahnost as warm a kiss ; being so situated, I was soon as happy and as m SWEETBRIER COTTAGE. much at home as in om- own cottage. The time passed on in making and receiving visits, at- tending places of amusement, and all the rou- tine of a city life, which, being new to me, I enjoyed with all possible zest. "Among the most frequent visitors at my un- cle's house, was Harry Campbell, a young law- yer of rare talents, amiable disposition, prepos- sessing appearance, and in my eyes, really hand- some. Ever gentle and obliging, he performed with willingness every little act of kindness we requested. He was on very familiar terms with the whole family, and being the first young gentleman into whose company I had been so often thrown, and having such ample means of judging his qualities, it is no wonder that he found favor in the sight of a girl of the age of seventeen years. "The happiness I always experienced in his absence, the longing for his return, gradually unfolded to me the knowledge that I loved ; the sensation was new to me, and perfectly inde- scribable. I would hurry over this part of my narrative, for in your happy innocence, you know not the tender feeling, and may you nev- er know it to your sorrow. I will not tell how my love for him was to my heart what the sun- shine, dew and gentle zephyrs are to the open- ing blossoms ; how the delicate leaves of the bud unrolled themselves 'neath his smile, and gave forth their fragrance for him alone. Now I had indeed commenced to live ; I was a woman, a trusting, loving woman, but 0, how the dream of my heart faded ! " That I was beloved in return, I could not doubt ; his every glance seemed to speak in that language to my heart, but never being alone, we had not an opportunity of expressing in words om- true feelmgs. I soon made a new discovery ; my cousin also Wed Harry — a wild, passionate love had taken possession of her heart which she could not control, nor even conceal ; a change came between us. Before we were confidants in everything ; now each strove to hide from the other the only thing she had to confide ; but Anna soon guessed my secret, and jealousy sprang up in her heart, and she put forth all the little arts of which she was mistresf to win his love, and not possessing a disposition with which the concealment of her passion was compatible, I soon knew all, and thinking that I might be mistaken in regard to his feelings towards me, and that Anna was the favored one, I strove as far as I was able, to crush the all-absorbing power of my first love, and avoid- ed intruding myself upon their presence, and turned my attention to others. Harry, observ- ing my reserved and backward deportment, deemed me cold and unmindful of him ; and be- ing loft alone more frequently with Anna, he wa.s not long in finding out the feelings with which she regarded him, and which she did not endeavor to conceal. Seeing that ho had wound himself around her heart, and as it is so plea.s- ing to know that we are beloved, which knowl- edge seldom fails in some degree to win a re- turn, his heart warmed towards her with the strongest friendship. CllAMKR 11, " BcT the hour of trkl Was at hand. Harry had received letters from the south, pertaining t^ pressing business that required his immediate presence. He Was aloUe with roy coUsin and me on the evening that the summoas reached him, and told us of his intended journey, and that the period of his return was indefinite. I can- not describe the effect the uliWelcome informa- tion had upon us ; it came so suddenly that we had no time for reflection, and this Was his part- ing visit. Anna burst into tears, and I, not wishing to expose myself, and endeavoring to crush the rising emotions, after a few hurried words of regret, arose and left tlie apartment. The proceedings of that hour sealed my destiny. Anna, unasked, made a full confession of what should have been her heart's dearest treasured secret, and he, thinking me cold and haughty, from my studied indifference, and seeing the ex- tent to which matters had gone, made her a proposal of his hand, and of course, was accepted. " This I learned when I had summoned suffi- cient courage to return to the presence of him I loved so profoundly — but he had gone, and I should see him no more, until he returned to wed another. " The dark, Wild thoughts that took posses- sion of ray breast in that next hour, can never be knoWn ; my sweetest dream was fading, my brightest hope gone, and the light of lifo seemed almost extinguished. While I laid motionless, burning thoughts Were rushing through my heart — it seemed almost bursting, and I became so oppressed that I could scarcely breathe ; a flood of teai-s brought some relief, and I was etiabled to consider with more calmness aiid rea- son what course to pursue. 1 determined from that hour to hide every trace of my unhappy love. I felt that I must have been mistaken, and that he had never regarded me with warm^ er sentimeUts than those prompted by friendship ; and my sincere wishes being for his happiness, I vowed to live for its promotion, even at the saC' rifled of my own peace of mind. " I came that evening from my own little sanctuary, a changed being — I seemed to have lived years of sorrow in that brief hour, but th^ 98 SWEETBEIER COTTAGE. greatest fury of the storm was passed, and a momentary calm had in a measure succeeded. I ascended to the parlor, and seeing Anna with a face radiant with hope, although fairly shud- dering, I approached, and embracing her, wish- ed her joy. She gazed long and earnestly into my countenance. I quailed not beneath that searching glance, and seemingly satisfied, she pressed me to her bosom and wept tears of very happiness. " How strangely our hearts contrasted, as we stood that night clasped in each other's arms ; her head was resting upon my breast, and I wonder my beating heart did not whisper the sad tale of my sufferings in her ear. The same cause had occasioned such widely different ef- fects in our bosoms — her's brimming full of joy, "•ladness and delightful, rapturous anticipation — mine of woe, darkness and blighted hope, not one ray to inspire me with even a tolerable fu- ture ; how well I sustained myself in that try- ing hour, I cannot tell, but from that time for- ward wo were the fondest friends. Anna told me her every hope, which I endeavored to en- courage, for I would not have had another heart seared like mine, for worlds. " The months rolled rapidly by, and had numbered nearly a year, before Harry returned, and when he did, the meeting with his betroth- ed was not an warm as I thought it should have been, but she was happy in his presence, and saw not the want of affection. I had schooled myself for the first meeting with him, and not daring to trust myself alone, it was in the pres- ence of the whole family ; and he little thought, as I carelessly, though in a friendly manner, welcomed him back, that my heart was crushed and hopeless. The day was fixed for the mai-- riage, and I had consented to be Anna's brides- maid. I decked her in her bridal robes, and thought she never looked more lovely, her eyes beaming with the joy that reigned in her lieart, and governed her every action. A -wTeath of orange buds clasped the veil that fell over her snowy, well rounded shoulders, and shaded her dark curls ; a fragrant bouquet was fastened at her bosom, and the rich perfume of the deli- cate fiowers was not sweeter than the hopes that animated the heart beneath. All was ready, and I approached with them the altar at which my happiness was to be sacrificed ; the guests were all excitement, the rustling of silks and fluttering of fans was by me unnoticed. I mechanically perfonned the ofiice of withdraw- ing the glove and other customary duties of the bridesmaid, and was nerving myself for the last effort. The ceremony proceeded, Anna plight- ed her vows in calm, happy tones, but Harry, as his eyes met mine, wliich were fixed eaniestly upon him, faltered, and replied in a low confus- ed tone. My suspicions were verified. I could bear up no longer, and as the nuptial benedic- tion was being delivered, I sank upon the ground before him M'ho had implanted such a thorn within my breast, and he alone suspected the real cause of my fainting ; the others ascribed it to the close air and want of ventilation, and re- moving me to a carriage, bore me with the par- ty home. " It was now no home for me. I returned to my own cottage, and in the quiet duties of a country life endeavored to find the balm to heal my wounded spirit, and in a dcgi-ee succeeded, though my lightness and ehisticity of spirits had vanished, and my kind anxious mother would shake her head and say she knew Patty would not be benefited by her city residence. "Iliad been but a short time home, wlien Anna wrote and earnestly entreated me to come to her, she was unhappy ; I could not resi.st her pleading, and I went, though I fain would have remained at home. When I arrived, I saw all thmgs were not right ; she shed tears as she embraced me, but they were not of joy, for a shade of mournful sadness had settled on her countenance, and I saw her an- ticipations had not been realized. She uttered not a word of complaint, but my woman's nature divined the cause, and from the bottom of my heart I pitied her. " In his home where a husband should find his only true happiness, Harry was discontented — the steady love of Anna was a reproach to him, for he could not return it, and he felt that SWEETBRIER COTTAGE. 99 lie had basely deceived her ; and such helng the case, he mingled more with the companions, in whose company, by reason of his active life, he was thrown ; the intoxicating glass had been raised to his lips, and he was a marked victim of intemperance. How many a poor weak youth has yielded to the tempter beneath the guise of ruby wine, and havmg been entangled in the meshes of the lurking snare, gone down to an outcast's grave. 0, when will the accurs- ed demon, which is laying waste our beautiful land, be cast out from among us, and our ha}> piest hearthstones cease to be made desolate? Widowed and broken hearts, blighted youth and withered, decrepit, gray-headed old age sinking slowly into the tomb, are crying oft to Heaven for vengeance against the foul, hydra-headed monster. How my heart bled for Harry and poor Anna too, — she never murmured, but tried to win his We by her devoted attention. " One evening Harry came home earlier than usual and found me alone; it was the first time since his fatal marriage, — and dropping on his knees, he told me of the deep love he was consumed with, and that I was the object. I endeavored not to listen, and tried to rise and leave his presence ; but I was spell-bound, and had not the power to move, till summoning all my energy when he begged that I should fly with him and be happy, I repelled the insulting proposal, told how ardently I had loved him, and when he became another's howl had crush- ed that feeling, which he should also have done, and turned his attention to her who was his proper care, and had the only right to claim his affection ; and since he had plighted those vows which could not be broken without the great sin of foul perjury, he had highly outraged my feel- ings by the utterance of such a proposition. I hastily left his presence, and without a word to Anna as to the true cause of my abrupt depart- ure, I started home on the following day. " The knowledge that my love had been re- turned, was soothing to my heart ; and though it had been so unfortunately interrupted, I re- mained true to him, who alone had ever been able to call forth that affection without which* I could never marry. I never saw him again, until I was summoned to console his broken- hearted widow, and look upon his disfigured corpse arrayed for its last resting-place ; long and passionately I mourned at his untimely end. I felt that it was not sinful to allow my love to break forth in weeping, now that his spirit had winged its way from earth ; and I sympathized with Anna as none but I could do. We prayed together, and scalding tears coursed down our cheeks, for we had both loved with ardor and truth. " I remained long enough to see my poor cousin and her little one follow the husband to his narrow bed, and once more returned to my country home, never to leave it till the angel of death should summon me to traverse that dark valley over which he holds dominion." Wiping a tear from her eye, Cousin Patty earnestly entreated us for her sake to think kindly of old maids, and never to join in the uncharitable slanders against them; for, al- though so often sour and crabbed, we know not the blighted hearts that have sustained that title, nor the sorrows and trials they may have nobly borne. We all readily assented, and if she was a specimen, they must be the dearest old creatures in existence. Mary White decidedly averred that she would never marry, but live a life of single blessedness ; and Nell declared that no masculine should ever tame her. Why, the de- ceitful creatures were not worth wasting a thought upon. When we arose to depart night had thrown around us her dusky mantle ; and having each culled a bouquet of Cousin Patty's flowers, which we thought always had a sweeter fragrance than our own, we proceeded on our way, lighted by the flashing fairy-like lanterns of the fireflies, that, like so many stars dropped from the blue expanse, gleamed from the road- side thicket and hedge. It was the last time that xmdivided group met 100 SWEETBRIER COTTAGE, at Sweetbrier Cottage ; the next day Carrie La^ie was taken ill, antl ere the winter folded around his snowy mantle, she fled to her angel home ; and thus was the first link of our little chain of friends severed. And as the years wore away, we one after another parted, till that band is now widely scattered. Mary "White, in spite of her jn-oposed old maidenliood, married our Lilly's brother Frank ; and Nell, after running a brilliant and fiishion- able season in New York, married a dasliing rake, and is now sadly tamed. Lizzie Lane also ])ccanie a steady matron, and our beautiful Lilly is still a maid ; tall, grace- ful, and handsomer if possible than in her child- hood, and not half so frail in appearance ; and though she still visits Cousin Patty, and telli* her that she is going to follow her example, yet there is some one who is laboring to coax her out of that notion, and will one day persuade her to embark upon the sea of matrimony ; and he fondly cherishes the idea that he will be s\ic- cessful, and has sly visions of Lilly as a charm- ing little wife, and those scores of nothings which, all combined, lift two fond hearts united in wedded blis^, to the height of mortal felicity. THE END 'S5 j ^ <- .- / /x