Page:The Fall of the Alamo.djvu/93

 The self-same forteress, which to repossess Costs us e'en now the lives of several hundred? And wouldst thou feed these rogues for months and years, At the expense of our exhausted chest? And most of all reward that traitor Travis With wealth and grace instead of the garotte? [Folding his hands, and devoutly casting his eyes tip to heaven.] Such is my plan! if then my countrymen, Justly embittered over the insurgents, Refuse to ratify its stipulations. And slay the men, with whom they made no treaty, Thus kindly saving me a fine estate. And our Republic quite a large expense, I must regret it, though I cannot change it. I understand! but, riddle of a man! Why hast thou chosen that American For messenger, who seems to me of all Least suited, least trustworthy for the charge? Least suited, why? His readiness of speech, His nationality, his daughter's love For Travis, and his diplomatic skill