Senor Navarro has given nearly all, that he possesses for the hope of freedom.
He has done secret service of incalculable value." "Secret service! I prefer those who have the courage of their convictions, and who, stand by them publicly." "This is to be considered, Senorita; the man who can be silent can also speak when the day for speaking arrives." No one opposed this statement.
It did not seem worth while to discuss opinions, while the terrible facts of the position were appealing to every sense.
As the day went on, the conflict evidently became closer and fiercer.
Ortiz went back to the city, and the three lonely women knelt upon the house-top, listening in terror to the tumult of the battle.

About noon the firing ceased, and an awful silence--a silence that made the ears ache to be relieved of it--followed.
"All is over!" moaned Antonia, and she covered her face with her hands and sobbed bitterly.

Isabel had already exhausted tears.

The Senora, with her crucifix in her hand, was praying for the poor unfortunates dying without prayer.
During the afternoon, smoke and flame, and strange and sickening odors were blown northward of the city, and for some time it seemed probable that a great conflagration would follow the battle.

How they longed for some one to come! The utmost of their calamity would be better than the intolerable suspense.