Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/80

 But speak! why lingerest thou here in the woods Like as a simpler, seeking healing herbs, Or like a poet, scanning Nature's secrets. While even now the foe is close at hand, And hopes to take thy forteress by surprise.

[Eagerly] What sayest thou? It cannot be—my scouts—

Have all been captured by the fleet dragoons Of Santa Anna, who from different points Spread out the network of his cavalry That compassed them, ere yet they were aware.

But pray how happen'st thou to know this news?

Through my Comanche friends who, vulture-like, Hang round the skirts of Santa Anna's van.

If I before have welcomed thy arrival As useful, as a blessing to our cause, I now behold in it the wondrous hand Of Providence, dispatching thee to warn us Against approaching danger. But, friend Crockett, Let now us haste, where duty calls our steps. [Exeunt]