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Page 52
"The world at large--I mean the world as composed of Protestants,
latitudinarians, politicians, statesmen, and fashionable dunces,
are in a great measure acquainted with these facts; but knowing the
rapidly increasing power of papal Rome, and the vast influence already
wielded in this happy land by its priesthood, they prefer to float
along with the tide, rather than vigorously resist this blasting
system of ignorance, superstition, and crime which, stealthily
approaching from the east and from the west, will unite and crush the
liberties of our glorious Republic. As patriots, they are called on
to oppose strenuously its every encroachment--yet they dare not; for
should they venture to declaim against its errors, they endanger
their popularity and incur the risk of defeat at an ensuing election.
Florry, I was once conversing on this subject with a lady who had
recently visited Europe, and inquired of her if she had not marked the
evils and abuses which existed in the papal dominions through which
she traveled. She whisperingly replied--'Certainly, my dear, I could
not fail to mark the ignorance and degradation which prevailed, but
I never speak of it, because, you know, it makes one very unpopular,'
Here, Florry, you have the clew to the mystery. Americans quietly
contemplate this momentous subject, and silently view the abuses which
are creeping into our communities, because if they expose them, it is
at the hazard of becoming unpopular,"
"Mary, can I ever, ever forget that hour in the churchyard?" Florence
sadly said, as they rose and proceeded to the house. "Oh! it seems
branded on my brain; yet I must cast this new grief from me, for
enough of anguish was mine before. Still I feel that there is a path
just ahead, and it seems lighted up. But a slight barrier intervenes,
and when that is passed all will be well. Pray for me, Mary, that I
may be enabled to lead the life of a Christian, and at last die the
death of the righteous."
Clasping tightly the hand which rested in her own, Mary replied:
"While life remains, it shall indeed be my prayer that you may be
blessed on earth, and rewarded in heaven. Oh, Florry, I thank God that
the scales have fallen from your eyes, and that truth shines brightly
before you." She stopped suddenly, and pressed her hand to her side,
while the pale brow wrinkled with pain.
"I have been talking too much, there is a suffocating sensation here."
"It is only momentary, I hope."
Mary shook her head, and smiled sadly: "I don't know, Florry; I have
felt strangely of late."
That evening as the household were busily preparing for their intended
departure, Dr. Bryant abruptly entered, and informed them, with a
clouded brow, that removal was impossible, as he could not procure a
pair of horses for any price.
"It is perfectly unaccountable what has possessed the Mexican from
whom I purchased as many as I thought necessary. We agreed as to
price, and they were to be sent this afternoon; but about two hours
ago, he came to me, and declared that he had changed his mind, and
would not part with them. I offered double the original amount, but he
said money was no inducement. I strove to borrow or hire for any
given time, but every proposal was peremptorily declined, and as it is
impossible to leave here, I came over to entreat you to remain with
my sister, at least for a few days, till we can determine what is
advisable to do."
His proposal was accepted, and the ensuing day saw them inmates of
Mrs. Carlton's.
CHAPTER XIX.
"We're the sons of sires that baffled
Crowned and mitered tyranny:
They defied the field and scaffold
For their birth-rights--so will we!"
CAMPBELL.
The issue of the engagement of the 8th October placed Goliad, with
valuable munitions, in the hands of the Texans. Many and joyous
acclamations rose from their camp, hope beamed on every face, and
sanguine expectations were entertained of a speedy termination of the
conflict. Slowly the little band proceeded toward Bexar, receiving
daily accessions from headquarters, and girding themselves for a
desperate struggle. General Cos, fully appreciating the importance
of the post he held, made active preparation for its defense, never
doubting, however, that the strong fortifications of the Alamo would
prove impregnable to assailants so feeble numerically. Under the
direction of the cautious Spaniard, the town already assumed a
beleaguered aspect, and in addition to the watchman stationed on the
observatory of the fortress, a sentinel paced to and fro on the flat
roof of the gray old church, having orders to give instant alarm in
case of danger by the ringing of the several bells. Silver-haired men,
bending beneath the weight of years, alone passed along the deserted
streets, and augured of the future in the now silent Plaza. The stores
were closed, and anxiously the few Americans awaited the result;
rising at dawn with the belief that ere twilight closed again their
suspense would be terminated. On the morning of the 28th the booming
of distant artillery was borne on the southern breeze. With throbbing
hearts the inhabitants gathered about their doors, and strained their
eyes toward the south. A large body of Mexicans, availing themselves
of the cover of night, sallied from the Alamo, hoping to cut off a
squad of ninety-two men, who, leaving the main body of the Texan army,
had advanced for the purpose of reconnoitering, and were posted at the
old Mission of Conception, some two miles below the town; and here
the contest was waged. The watchman on the church listened intently
as each report reached his ear, and kept his fingers firmly on
the bell-rope. An hour passed on, and the sun rode high in heaven;
gradually the thundering died away. Quicker grew the breathing, and
tighter the cold fingers clasped each other. The last sound ceased: a
deathlike silence reigned throughout the town, and many a cheek
grew colorless as marble. There came a confused sound of shouts--the
mingling of many voices--the distant tramp of cavalry; and then there
fell on the aching ears the deep, thrilling tones of the church bells.
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