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Remember the Alamo

Remember the Alamo

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Chapter 1 THE CITY IN THE WILDERNESS.

Word Count: 2308    |    Released on: 28/11/2017

u stepping we

d stop or fe

or shelter t

a sky to l

DSWO

ght wind, tr

mmering

earth

ing w

RN

bes. But the spot was as beautiful as the garden of God. It was shielded by picturesque mountains, watered by two rivers, carpeted with flowers innumerable, shaded by noble trees joyful with the notes of a multitude of sing

e stone of the neighborhood rose in graceful domes and spires above the green trees. Sculptures, basso-relievos, and lines of gorgeous coloring adorned the exteriors. Within, were splendid alt

er followed the priest and the Cross. Ere long, the beautiful Mission became a beautiful city, about which a sort of fame full of romance and mystery gathered. Throughout the south and west, up the great highway of the Mississippi,

here to buy. And from the villages of Connecticut, and the woods of Tennessee, and the lagoons of Mississippi, adventurous Americans entered the Texan territory at Nacogdoches. They went through

on, and made men wear their cloaks, and set their beavers, and display their arms, with that demonstrative air of independence they called los Americ

-roofed, terraced houses-each one in its flowery court-and the domes and spires of the Missions, with their gilded crosses, had a

dressing and cooking, nursing their children and dreaming of their lovers. Men were in the market-places, buying and selling, talking of politics an

party of Mexican officers were strolling to the Alamo; some in white linen and scarlet sashes, others glittering with color and golden ornaments. Side by side with these were monks of various orders: the Franciscan in his blue gown and large white hat; the Capuchin in his brown serge; the Brother of Mercy in his white flowing robes. Add to these diversities, Indian peons in ancient sandals, women dressed as in the day

child, so the angel of the city seemed in this evening bell to bespeak a minute for holy thought. It was only a minute, for with the last note there was even an access of tumult. The doors and

and ugly costume common at that day to all American gentlemen. Only black cloth and white linen and a row palmetto hat with a black ribbon around it; but he wore his simpl

miliar friend in every home. In sickness and in death he had come close to the hearts in them. Protected at first by the powerful Urrea family, he had found it easy to retain his

is future conduct had seemed to warrant their fullest confidence. In those never ceasing American invasions between eighteen hundred and three and eight

tions. He had a reverent soul, wisely tolerant as to creeds, and he loved his country with a passion which absence from it constantly intensified. He was believed to be a thoroughly practical man, fond of accumulating land and gold; but

o his own gates, he involuntarily quickened his steps. He knew that Antonia would be waiting. He could see among the thick flowering shrubs her tall slim figure clothed in white. As she came swiftly down the dim aisles to meet him, he felt a sentiment of worship for her. She concentrated in herself his memory of home, mother, and

rds it, between hedges of white camelias and scarlet japonicas. Vanilla, patchuli, verbena, wild wandering honeysuckle-a hundred other scents-perfumed

on Luis,

s well-and h

. Robert Worth smiled as he offered his hand to him. It was impossible not to smile at a youth so handsome, and so charming-a youth who had al

you; and I felt your mus

round the room as he spoke; a

ez. There is to be a dance. I am waiting for

you,

e. Very well! I care not to drink chocolate and dance in his hous

he refu

s shoulders expressively, and added,

A

nd when the devil of money condescends to appear

last verse again. It had a taking charm. Th

s in New Orleans. The music came from

arsman, row,

pt of the ni

moonbeams wa

ander abou

er is here

mory lose t

we have lef

f content,-

l with you. Now, come with us, and show those

the Senora Valdez is in the same mind as her husband. I should be received by her

giving great trouble-there have been whispers

his about the Americans-their drum is in

ware that three detachments of tro

Tex

Tex

and men put Texas under lock and key? I assu

did eyes upon Antonia. A sympathetic smile brightened her own face like a flame.

dy. We must not keep the

annoyance in it-"Don Luis is so imprudent," she said. "He is always in trouble

with him. Woe to the centuries without Quixotes

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