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"Elliot, if you would gladden the hearts of your father and mother, be ever truthful Reo, and put dishonesty and dissimulation far from you: 'honesty is the best policy,' and if you adhere to it through life, it will prove of 'farfrom me, particularly what the Padre may say"

"Shall we take the peas out under the hackberry and shell them," said Maria

"Yes,on the steps, mother I knoill help us to shell the to him of the Padre or his conversation, but interest hi the basket between them Mrs Carlton's eyes filled as she looked after her children "A ine that tearb"

"Oh, guard them carefully; for, surrounded by these influences, it will be difficult to prevent conta, loud shout fro to the door, they perceived a crowd gathered on the Plaza In the center was a body of Mexican cavalry, headed by their co them 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 confine toward us; I dare say he can tell us thelow in the saddle, reined his Steed as near the step as possible

"How do you do, Miss Ha Miss Mary in herlady Assures " 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 ar 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"