Harper's Round Table, August 11, 1896

Copyright, 1896, by Harper & Brothers. All Rights Reserved.

My! exclaimed Bryce Gordon, with a deep sigh, as he softly closed the Greek history over which he had been intently poring for the last fifteen minutes, I want to go and see that place some time.
What place? asked his army uncle, Captain Frank Gordon, looking up from the evening paper.
The Pass of Thermopylæ, answered Bryce, who had just been reading of Leonidas and his wonderful battle with the hosts of Xerxes. That is the kind of place I want to visit whenever I have a chance to travel, he continued, with flashing eyes, and I should think Greek boys would be awfully proud of it. I only wish we had a Thermopylæ in this country; but there doesn't seem to be any such thing nowadays.
Doesn't there? replied his uncle, laying down the paper. Then I am afraid you are better posted concerning old Greek history than in that of the United States; for I know of a Thermopylæ in which, only sixty years ago, a handful of Americans made as glorious and heroic a defence against overwhelming numbers as was ever recorded.
You do? cried Bryce, excitedly. Where is it? Tell me about it, quick! Please do!
Yes, tell us, pleaded Jackanapes, May, and little Miss Blue, who, scenting a story from afar, had made a magic appearance, and were now clustered about Captain Gordon's chair like so many hungry bees about a honeycomb.
Well, laughed their uncle, good-naturedly, I see that I am in for it, and suppose I must do as my tyrants command. So here goes. To begin with, did any of you ever hear of the Alamo?
Seems to me I have, answered Bryce; but I can't remember what it is.