"Bryant, I cannot sign their death-warrant!" he said in a low, subdued tone, sinking his head upon his breast. He lifted himself up, and raising his voice, calmly replied: "Had I not received orders to retreat, and if I were not fully aware that lingering here insured our total destruction, I should scorn to turn my back upon Goliad! Oh! gladly I would die in its defense; but your fate is too entirely in my hands to admit of following my individual wishes! None know the pang it causes me to sound a 'Retreat,' yet it may be, that the success of our cause demands it at my hands, and therefore I say, 'Retreat, comrades!'--at dawn to-morrow, we move from Goliad." The decree went forth, and the ensuing day saw the doomed band moving eastward toward headquarters they were destined never to reach. On arriving at Goliad, Dr. Bryant had immediately enlisted, after placing Inez in safety at the house of an aged Senora of her nation; and no sooner was it decided to leave the town the following day than he sought his Spanish friend. She was sitting alone when he entered, and quickly rising, placed a seat for him. "Thank you, Inez, I have only a moment to remain--I come to say good-by." "Which way do your people go now?" she hoarsely asked. "Santa Anna is marching with overwhelming forces toward us, and Colonel Fanning thinks it advisable to retire to headquarters. We set out at dawn to-morrow." "You cannot escape by flight: it were better to remain here. I tell you now, if you leave Goliad, you will be cut off to a man." "Inez, my own feelings would strongly incline me to follow your advice, but it has been decided otherwise!' "Then, if you must go, I go with you!" "Impossible, Inez, impossible! you know not what you say! For you to venture from this place under existing circumstances, beset as we are on every hand with dangers seen and unseen,--would be the height of madness." "I know not fear! of that you must have been convinced long ere this. Danger cannot intimidate me; what you meet and suffer, that will I encounter." "Bethink yourself, Inez! What can you hope to accomplish by this strange step? You have nothing to fear here from your own nation: what can you gain by seeking a home among my people? Strange, mysterious being! I wish for your own sake you were timid--that fear might strengthen your sense of prudence!" Inez had bent her head while he spoke, as in humiliation, now she lifted herself and said, in a low, determined tone: "I am alone in the wide world, and I have but one hope, but one pleasure; to be with you while life remains, and to die near, that you may close my eyes and lay me down to rest." She paused a moment, and then clasping her hands, approached him, and continued in a more passionate tone: