The horses were picketed out, almost within reach from the tents, and the wagon containing their stores drawn so near as, in some degree, to shelter them.

The servants prepared the evening meal--simple, it is true, yet enjoyed far more than a sumptuous repast of Indian delicacies, and untold ragouts, eaten without the sauce of hunger produced by their long ride.

More than a week had elapsed since leaving San Antonio, and Mary had borne better than they dared to hope the fatigue of the journey.
To-night, however, she lay exhausted on her pallet, the thin cheek bright with fever: gently she declined all that was proffered, and her hollow cough chased the smile from the lips of her friends.

Dr.Bryant knelt beside her, and taking one hot hand in his own, asked, in a low anxious voice, if she suffered.
Turning away her face, she said--"Oh no, not much.

There is, however, such a painful throbbing about my heart I can scarcely breathe.