* * * * *

The Alamo was garrisoned.  Dark bodies of Mexican troops moved heavily to and fro, and cannon bristled from the embrasures.  The usually quiet town was metamorphosed into a scene of riot and clamor, and fandangos, at which Bacchus rather than Terpsichore presided, often welcomed the new-born day.  The few Americans[A] in San Antonio viewed with darkened brows the insolent cavaliers.  The gauntlet was flung down—­there was no retraction, no retreat.  They knew that it was so, and girded themselves for a desperate conflict.

[Footnote [A]:  It doubtless appears absurd to confine the title of “Americans” to the few citizens of the United States who emigrated to Texas, when all who inhabit the continent are equally entitled to the appellation.  Yet the distinction is Mexican; “Los Americanos” being the name applied to all who are not of Spanish descent.]

The declaration of independence was enthusiastically hailed by the brave-hearted Texans, as they sprang with one impulse to support the new-born banner, that floated so majestically over the sunny prairies of their western home.  Mechanic, statesman, plowboy, poet, pressed forward to the ranks, emulous of priority alone.  A small, but intrepid band, they defied the tyrant who had subverted the liberties of his country; defied Santa Anna and his fierce legions, and spurned the iron yoke which the priests of Mexico vainly strove to plant upon their necks.  Liberty, civil and religious, was the watchword, and desperately they must struggle in the coming strife.

Manuel Nevarro had eagerly enlisted in the Mexican ranks, and in a few weeks after General Cos’s arrival, donned his uniform.  Thus accoutered, he presented himself, for the first time since their disagreement, before Inez, who had but recently returned from San Jose, doubting not that her admiration of his new dress would extend to him who filled it.  In truth, his was a fine form and handsome face; yet sordid selfishness, and, in common parlance, “a determination to have his own way,” were indelibly stamped upon his countenance.

Inez was busily preparing the evening meal when he entered; and though perfectly aware of his presence, gave no indication of it.  He stood aside and watched her movements, as she shaped and turned the tortillas.  Presently she began to sing

  “He quits his mule, and mounts his horse,
     And through the streets directs his course—­
   Through the streets of Gacatin,
     To the Alhambra spurring in,
       Wo is me, Alhama.

  “And when the hollow drums of war
     Beat the loud alarm afar,
   That the Moors of town and plain
     Might answer to the martial strain,
      Wo is me, Alhama.

As the mournful cadence died away, she turned, and started with well-feigned surprise on meeting the piercing glance fixed upon her.

“Ah, Manuel!” She held out both hands, with a most amicable expression of countenance.  He grasped them, and would have kissed her beautiful lips, but she slipped adroitly to one side—­“No, no!  Manuel.  I’ll not permit that till I am Senora Nevarro.”