prisoners of war.

Dr. Bryant had received, during the engagement, a wound in the arm,
which he caused to be dressed, and, placing the injured member in a
sling, strove to soothe the dying and relieve the wounded. Early
he dispatched tidings of his safety to his anxious sister, and now
devoted himself to the suffering soldiery. Midnight found him beside
the couch of pain, and even as he bent to administer a sedative, a
hand was lightly laid on his shoulder. Looking up, Frank perceived the
muffled form of a female, though unable to determine who stood beside
him, for the face was entirely concealed by the mantilla.

"Can I do anything for you, Señora?"

"Dr. Bryant, will you leave your people here to see a dying
Mexican--one who fell fighting against you?"

"Most assuredly, if I can render relief; but, Inez, you should not
have ventured here on such an errand; could no messenger be found? It
was imprudent in you to come at this hour."

"No matter; I felt no fear of your people, and mine would not molest
me. But I have little time to wait. Mañuel is sorely wounded: we bore
him from the Alamo, and he lies at my father's. Can you do nothing for
him?"

"I hope it is not too late to render assistance; we will go
immediately." And drawing his cloak over the wounded arm, he followed
her to Don Garcia's. Neither spoke till they reached the threshold;
then Frank said: