Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/144

 Wherewith we shall bombard the Alamo. For every hour we forfeit means a year Of vigor added to the rebel cause. Two hours from hence I give, when must our guns Boom o'er this land the death-knell of the hopes Of Texan Liberty and Independence. Haste, haste! thy fate, our fate is staked upon The speedy downfall of the Alamo. [Exit Cos. Santa Anna again paces the room in deep meditation.] One, one more item added to thy debit; Bradburn! beware! thou standest at the brink Of bankruptcy, with my revenge for sheriff. Know'st what that means? Thou mayst as well expect Compassion from a tiger and beseech A serpent's tender mercy, if thou durst Deceive and mock whom with impunity None ever mocked. Full to the margin's brim Thy balance is. Let it not overflow!

Enters Colonel Almonte.

What now, Almonte? hast thou faithfully Performed the mission I assigned to thee?