"Tell me, was it Inez who warned you before?"
"Yes, she told me we incurred unknown dangers by remaining here." He mused for several moments.
"Ah! I can understand it all now. Several nights ago, returning from the Alamo, I met her on the bridge alone; she seemed excited, I thought, and impatient at meeting me, for I questioned her rambling so late."
"Inez is a warm friend, and what she advises I feel almost bound to do, for she is not timid, and only real danger rouses her apprehension."
"Eight thousand men! and not two hundred to man the Alamo. Inez is right; this is not a proper place for you. We will go, as we once decided, to Washington; and when you are in safety, I will return and lend my efforts to the feeble garrison."
They reached the gate, and he gently lifted the frail form from the saddle; and, drawing her arm through his, led her to the house. As they entered, he bent his head and said, in, a low tone:
"Tell me candidly, are you able to undergo the fatigue incident to this journey? I fear you are not."
"Yes, I shall perhaps grow stronger; at any rate, if you do not change your mind, let no fears for me influence you."
When leaving, he said it was probable that all would be in readiness for their departure within a couple of days, as he wished to see them secure, and then return.
"Mrs. Carlton will accompany us when she learns this terrible news?" said Mary, inquiringly.