The ladies looked at each other in dismay.
"To what does this tend ?" asked Mary, anxiously.
"My husband told me several days since that Austin was imprisoned in Mexico, and said he feared difficulties would ensue, but knew not the cause of his confinement." "There is Dr.Bryant coming toward us; I dare say he can tell us the meaning of this commotion." That gentleman, bowing low in the saddle, reined his Steed as near the step as possible.
"How do you do, Miss Hamilton, and you, my dear sister?
I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Mary in her morning rambles; she is a most remarkable young lady.

Assures me she actually loves early rising." His dark eyes were fixed laughingly upon her.
"Do stop your nonsense, Frank, and tell us the cause of that crowd," said Mrs.Carlton, laying her hand on his arm.
"My dear sister, that tall, cadaverous-looking cavalier is the brother-in-law of Santa Anna, and no less a personage than General Cos, sent hither to fortify this and every other susceptible place." "Against whom or what ?" "It is a long story, ladies.

You know that Coahuila has pursued an oppressive policy toward us for some time, and refused to hear reason: Austin remonstrated again and again, and at last went to Mexico, hoping that the authorities would allow us (here he bit his lip, and his cheek flushed)--it galls my spirit to utter the word--allow us to form a separate State.

The Congress there took no notice of his petition, for, in truth they were too much engaged just then about their own affairs to heed him, and he wrote to several persons in Austin, advising them at all hazards to proceed.

Some cowardly wretch, or spy in disguise, secretly despatched one of his letters to the ministers; consequently, as Austin was returning, they made him prisoner, and carried him back to Mexico.