Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/145

 Your Excellency's command has been obeyed. Miss Elsie Bradburn, at my proffered escort, Gave her consent to go and see James Travis, Whom now she waits upon with tender care. O'erjoyed to see her prayer fulfilled, she charged me At earliest opportunity to lay Her gratitude before Your Excellency.

[Aside.] Ha, ha! so birds feel grateful to the snarer Who promises to them their favorite food. [Aloud.] 'Tis well, Almonte; thou mayst go,—but wait! Hast thou perchance in Colonel Bradburn's tent Perceived some more or less uncommon signs Apt to arouse thy curiosity?

None in his tent: the more his daughter's conduct Appeared to me a riddle and surprise.

What was it? tell me quick!

A grievous fear Seemed on her mind, the fear about her father, For whose return she looked with anxious care. But then again she could not well conceal