She was as yet a part of Spain, and a sharer in all her ancient glories.

She was a land of romance, and her very name tasted on the lips, of gold, and of silver, and of precious stones.
Urrea easily persuaded the young man to return to Mexico with him.
The following year there was a suspicious number of American visitors and traders in San Antonio, and one of the Urreas was sent with a considerable number of troops to garrison the city.

For Spain was well aware that, however statesmen might settle the question, the young and adventurous of the American people considered Texas United States territory, and would be well inclined to take possession of it by force of arms, if an opportunity offered.
Robert Worth accompanied General Urrea to San Antonio, and the visit was decisive as to his future life.

The country enchanted him.

He was smitten with love for it, as men are smitten with a beautiful face.
And the white Moorish city had one special charm for him--it was seldom quite free from Americans, Among the mediaeval loungers in the narrow streets, it filled his heart with joy to see at intervals two or three big men in buckskin or homespun.