Part 10 (1/2)
In another hour, the rest of the leaders had gathered their detachments, and every man had turned his face to the Texan prairies. Crockett was already far advanced on the way. Sam Houston was known to be kindling the fire on the spot; ”and I suppose you know, father,” said Jack, sinking his voice to a whisper, ”that we have still more powerful backers.”
”General Gaines?”
”Well, he has a large body of United States troops at Nacogdoches. He says they are to protect the people of Navasola from the Indians.”
”But Navasola is twenty-nine miles west of Nacogdoches.”
”Navasola is in Texas. Very well! If the United States feel it to be their duty to protect the people of Navasola, it seems they already consider Texas within their boundary.”
”You think the Indians a mere pretext?”
”Of course. Crockett has with him an autograph letter from President Jackson, introducing him as 'a G.o.d-chosen patriot.' President Jackson already sees Texas in the Union, and Gaines understands that if the American-Texans should be repulsed by Santa Anna, and fall back upon him, that he may then gather them under his standard and lead them forward to victory--and the conquest of Texas. Father, you will see the Stars and Stripes on the palaces of Mexico.”
”Do not talk too fast, Jack. And now, go lie down on my bed. In four hours you must leave, if you want to reach Gonzales to-night!”
Then Dare was called, and the lovers knew that their hour of parting was come. They said nothing of the fears in their hearts; and on Antonia's lifted face there was only the light of love and of hope.
”The fight will soon be over, darling, and then!”
”And then? We shall be so happy.”
CHAPTER VI. ROBERT WORTH IS DISARMED.
”Strange sons of Mexico, and strange her fate; They fight for freedom who were never free; A kingless people for a nerveless state.”
”Not all the threats or favors of a crown, A Prince's whisper, or a tyrant's frown, Can awe the spirit or allure the mind Of him, who to strict Honor is inclined.
Though all the pomp and pleasure that does wait On public places, and affairs of state; Though all the storms and tempests should arise, That Church magicians in their cells devise, And from their settled basis nations tear: He would, unmoved, the mighty ruin bear.
Secure in innocence, contemn them all, And, decently arrayed, in honor fall.”
”Say, what is honor? 'Tis the finest sense Of justice which the human mind can frame.”
The keenest sufferings entailed by war are not on the battle-field, nor in the hospital. They are in the household. There are the maimed affections, the slain hopes, the broken ties of love. And before a shot had been fired in the war of Texan independence, the battle had begun in Robert Worth's household.
The young men lay down to rest, but he sat watching the night away.
There was a melancholy sleepiness in it; the mockingbirds had ceased singing; the chirping insects had become weary. Only the clock, with its regular ”tick, tick,” kept the watch with him.
When it was near dawn, he lifted a candle and went into the room where Jack and Dare were sleeping. Dare did not move; Jack opened his eyes wide, and smiled brightly at the intruder.
”Well, father?”
”It is time to get up, Jack. Tell Dare.”
In a few minutes both came to him. A bottle of wine, some preserved bears' paws, and biscuits were on the table. They ate standing, speaking very little and almost in whispers; and then the doctor went with them to the stable. He helped Jack to saddle his horse. He found a sad pleasure in coming so close to him. Once their cheeks touched, and the touch brought the tears to his eyes and sent he blood to his heart.
With his hand on the saddle, Jack paused and said, softly, ”Father, dear, tell mi madre my last look at the house, my last thought in leaving it, was for her. She would not kiss me or bless me last night.