Harper's Round Table, October 27, 1896

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

One misty, moisty morning of April, '36, there was quite a commotion in the office of the Weekly Telegraph , enterprising pioneer of Texas journalism, printed in English and Spanish, and published in the little town of Harrisburg, east of the Brazos River.
The Texans now occupied Harrisburg, and a good many of them occupied the Telegraph office. These were carrying on an animated and eager discussion, while the object of their eloquence, a slim youngster of an uncommonly dark and swarthy countenance, stood listening silently.
I tell you, cried one, you're risking your life by staying here. Santa Anna's just as likely as not to have you taken out and shot. Remember Goliad!
And if they don't shoot you, said another, they'll clap you in irons and shut you up in a Mexican jail. For my part, I'd rather take the bullet; it's quickest over.
And you must remember, remonstrated a third, that your paper's always been down on the Mexicans. They're safe to remember it, and as the editor has got clear off, they'll make you pay for yourself and him too.
All the same, said John Sibley, steadily, I'll have to stay until Mr. Bolden sends for me. He left me in charge here, but promised to get me away before the Mexicans come.
Huh! Think Editor Bolden's going to trouble himself to get you out of the hole? You needn't if you do. He's saved his own skin, and that's all he cares about. The Greasers might knock everything in the printing-office into pi before I'd stay here to please him.
Come, John, said one, somewhat older than the rest, let me persuade you out of this foolhardy project. Your young life ought not to be thrown away in mere bravado.
It's not bravado, Captain Hays, protested the boy. It's my plain duty. I promised my employer I would stay and look after his property. He trusted me, and I mustn't disappoint him. So please don't ask me to go with you, for I can't.