BACK TO THE RANCH--CONCLUSION.
Immediately after the battle, Dan sought out medical aid and had his
father attended to. Mr. Radbury was still unconscious, and for several
days it was not known whether he would live or die. During all that
time, his son remained at his side, hoping and praying for the best. At
last the planter was pronounced out of danger, but the wound had been a
deep one and it was doubtful if Mr. Radbury would ever be as strong
again as he had been.
While father and son were at the temporary hospital which the Texans
had opened, Dan made a discovery which filled him with interest. Among
the Mexican prisoners that had been taken, the youth found a man from
San Antonio whom he knew well,--a person who had joined Santa Anna's
army after the fall of the Alamo. During a talk with this individual,
he learned that Carlos Martine was also in the army, having joined at
the same time.
"I must find that man and have a talk with him," said Dan to himself,
and as soon as his father was a little better he set out on his hunt.
He had not made many inquiries, when he learned that Carlos Martine was
dead, having been shot down while trying to escape across the open
prairie, and the body had already been put away.
"But what of the dead--were the things in their pockets buried with
them?" asked Dan of one of the Texan guards.
"No, their pockets were emptied, and everything found was turned over
to the quartermaster," was the reply, and then the youth went to the
officer named and told him of Martine and of the missing papers.
"Here is a lot of stuff, Radbury. You can look it over and see if there
is anything there belonging to your father."
Dan examined the pile with care, and presently came upon the papers,
safe and sound, just as they had been stolen by Hank Stiger.
"They are here!" he cried, and passed them over for examination. "Won't
father be glad of this!" And off he ran a little later to tell his
parent. Amos Radbury could scarcely speak, but his satisfaction shone
in his eyes.
"It is a great relief," he murmured. "They cannot disturb my home now."
And then he added with a sigh, "I wish I were there now!"
"All in good time, father," said Dan, affectionately. "We have truly
nothing more to fear. Santa Anna is whipped and has already sent word
that his other troops must withdraw. The independence of Texas is
assured beyond a doubt."
Dan was right in what he said. Not long after Santa Anna's defeat the
remainder of his army was in full retreat. As they fell back they were
closely watched by the Texans, but no further fighting took place.
The government of Texas had retired to Galveston, but as soon as the
victory of San Jacinto became known, President Burnett and his cabinet
hurried to the Texan camp and opened negotiations with Santa Anna. The
Mexican general was ready to promise almost anything in return for his
liberty, and Houston suggested that he be made to recognise the
independence of Texas, that the Rio Grande River should become the
boundary between the independent State and Mexico, that all Texan
prisoners should be released, that all private property should be
restored, and numerous other things, all of which were afterward
embodied in a treaty signed at Velasco.
Yet even then Santa Anna was not given his liberty. The people were
aroused to the depths of their very souls and they feared that the
"Mexican Butcher" could not be trusted. Against the advice of many he
was put into prison, and it was not until nearly a year later that he
was allowed to return to Mexico. Here he found himself "out in the
cold" in more ways than one, and highly disgusted he retired to his
estate at Mango del Clavo, not to be heard of again for some time to
come.
With the closing of the war matters waxed hot in Texas politically, but
with politics Amos Radbury had little to do. As soon as he was able, he
returned to his ranch on the Guadalupe, where both he and Dan were
received in a warm manner by Ralph and the ever faithful Poke Stover
and Pompey.
"You are both heroes," cried the youngest Radbury. And then he added,
with all the ardor of youth: "How I wish I had been along!"
"Never mind, lad, your time may come some day," said Poke Stover.
"If it dun cum dat boy will prove as brave as any of dem," said Pompey.
"Yo' see, it's in de Radbury blood, wot fit in de Rebolution, de wah ob
1812 and de Injun wahs. Da can't help it no moah dan da kin help
eatin', he! he!" And he slapped his thigh enthusiastically. That
evening Pompey served the "spread of his life," as Dan designated it,
and never were a party happier than the Radburys and Poke Stover as
they sat and ate and drank, and talked over the many things which had
happened since the first trouble with the Indians.
"But I am glad it is over," said Amos Radbury. "Glad it is over, and
equally glad that we are all home once more."
* * * * *
Here let us bring to a close this tale of the war, "For the Liberty of
Texas." Summer was now at hand, and as soon as Dan felt rested he and
Ralph, assisted by Pompey, set to work to put the ranch in order and
attend to the stock, which had suffered more or less from neglect.
Later on, both Mr. Radbury and Poke Stover joined in the labour, and
before fall everything was running as smoothly as it had the spring
previous.
The liberty of Texas had been assured, but the people were not
satisfied, and clamoured to be admitted to the United States. In a few
years this was accomplished, and Texas became as she is to-day, the
largest State in our glorious Union. Then followed trouble about the
boundary line between the United States and Mexico, and soon war was
declared between the two principal republics of North America. The
further adventures of the Radburys before this war and through a
portion of it will be told in the next volume of this series, to be
entitled, "With Taylor on the Rio Grande," in which we shall meet all
of our old friends once more, and learn what they did to defeat both
their personal enemies and also the enemies of their country.
Yet for the time being all went well, and here we will say good-bye,
echoing the shout Ralph gives as he dashes over the range on his pet
mustang:
"Hurrah for the liberty of Texas! Hurrah for the heroes of San
Jacinto!"
THE END.
* * * * *
MEXICAN WAR SERIES
By EDWARD STRATEMEYER
VOLUME ONE
FOR THE LIBERTY OF TEXAS
12mo Cloth Illustrated Price, $1.25
Much is told here of Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, Colonel Bowie, and
other Texan heroes in connection with the entertaining story of the
fortunes of two brothers, Dan and Ralph Radbury. The fall of the Alamo
is introduced, and other famous incidents.
VOLUME TWO
WITH TAYLOR ON THE RIO GRANDE
12mo Cloth Illustrated Price, $1.25
As with each of the series, this is a complete story, but continues the
adventures of the patriotic young Radbury brothers. They serve under
General Taylor at Palo Alto, Monterey, and Buena Vista and share in the
glory of "Old Rough and Ready."
VOLUME THREE
UNDER SCOTT IN MEXICO
12mo Cloth Illustrated Price, $1.25
In the concluding volume of this valuable historical series Dan and
Ralph come under the command of Gen. Winfield Scott and finally bear
their part in the triumphant entry of the proud city of Mexico.
* * * * *
These books were first issued under a pen name and by another publisher.
We have now placed them in the regular list of this unequaled writer for
boys, with an entirely new cover design in keeping with the uniformly
rich appearance of our Stratemeyer books.
* * * * *
"There are few live boys in the country who have not read the intensely
interesting books of Mr. Stratemeyer, and who do not have a warm place
in their hearts for him. No living American writer of boys' books is so
widely read, and none so sure of a cordial welcome for everything that
comes from his pen."--_Chicago News._
DAVE PORTER SERIES
By EDWARD STRATEMEYER
12mo Cloth Illustrated $1.25 per volume
Mr. Stratemeyer has seldom introduced a more popular hero than Dave
Porter. He is a typical boy, manly, brave, always ready for a good time
if it can be obtained in an honorable way,--_Wisconsin, Milwaukee,
Wis._
"Edward Stratemeyer's 'Dave Porter' has become exceedingly
popular."--_Boston Globe._
"Dave and his friends are nice, manly chaps."--_Times-Democrat, New
Orleans._
DAVE PORTER AT OAK HALL
Or the Schooldays of an American Boy
DAVE PORTER IN THE SOUTH SEAS
Or The Strange Cruise of the Stormy Petrel
DAVE PORTER'S RETURN TO SCHOOL
Or Winning the Medal of Honor
DAVE PORTER IN THE FAR NORTH
Or The Pluck of an American Schoolboy
DAVE PORTER AND HIS CLASSMATES
Or For the Honor of Oak Hall
DAVE PORTER AT STAR RANCH
Or The Cowboy's Secret
DAVE PORTER AND HIS RIVALS
Or the Chums and Foes of Oak Hall
* * * * *
LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., Publishers, Boston
THE LAKEPORT SERIES
By EDWARD STRATEMEYER
12mo Cloth Illustrated $1.25 per volume
"The author of the Lakeport Series, Mr. Edward Stratemeyer, is well
known for his delightful boys' stories."--_Philadelphia Ledger._
"The Lakeport Series, by Edward Stratemeyer, is the lineal descendant
of the better class of boys' books of a generation ago."--_Christian
Advocate, New York._
"The Lakeport Series will be fully as popular as the author's Dave
Porter Series,"--_San Francisco Call._
THE GUN CLUB BOYS OF LAKEPORT
Or The Island Camp
THE BASEBALL BOYS OF LAKEPORT
Or The Winning Run
THE BOAT CLUB BOYS OF LAKEPORT
Or The Water Champions
THE FOOTBALL BOYS OF LAKEPORT
Or More Goals Than One
THE AUTOMOBILE BOYS OF LAKEPORT
Or A Run for Fun and Fame
* * * * *
LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., Publishers, Boston
COLONIAL SERIES
By EDWARD STRATEMEYER
FIRST VOLUME
_WITH WASHINGTON IN THE WEST_
_Or a Soldier Boy's Battles in the Wilderness_
Illustrated by A. B. Shute 302 pages $1.25
Mr. Stratemeyer has woven into an excellent story something of
Washington's youthful experience as a surveyor, leading on to the
always thrilling Braddock's defeat. The hero, David Morris, is several
years younger than Washington, with whom he becomes intimately
associated. Pictures of pioneer life are given; scenes with friendly
Indians; and old-time games.
SECOND VOLUME
_MARCHING ON NIAGARA_
_Or The Soldier Boys of the Old Frontier_
Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25
The story relates the doings of two young soldiers who join the
Colonial forces in a march on Fort Niagara, during the time of the war
with France, when the whole territory between the Blue Ridge and the
Great Lakes was in a state of unrest. Many side lights are thrown into
the colonial homes, and much useful information is given of the
pioneers who helped to make our country what it is to-day.
David Morris is a fine fellow, and about him is woven a fine "Injun"
story that is sure to delight the boys.--_Universalist Leader, Boston._
THIRD VOLUME
_AT THE FALL OF MONTREAL_
_Or a Soldier Boy's Final Victory_
Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25
This volume relates the adventures of Dave Morris and his cousin Henry
during the two last campaigns against the French for the possession of
Canada and the territory below the great lakes. The scaling of the
heights of Quebec under General Wolfe, and the memorable battle on the
Plains of Abraham, are given in detail. There are many stirring scenes
of battle, and there are also adventures while fishing and hunting, and
with the Indians.
The chief charm of Mr. Stratemeyer's stories lies in the fact that an
enormous quantity of valuable information, collected from the most
reliable sources, is deftly woven into the narrative without taking
away from the interest.--_Philadelphia Inquirer._
COLONIAL SERIES
By EDWARD STRATEMEYER
FOURTH VOLUME
ON THE TRAIL OF PONTIAC
Or _Pioneer Boys of the Ohio_
Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25
This volume tells of times in our country immediately after the war
with France for the possession of Canada. A fight with the Indians and
the French in a snowstorm is especially realistic, and the entire book
carries with it the atmosphere of colonial times.
Boys are attracted to stories by Edward Stratemeyer, and they will
enjoy "On the Trail of Pontiac."--_Plain Dealer, Cleveland, O._
VOLUME FIVE
THE FORT IN THE WILDERNESS
Or _The Soldier Boys of the Indian Trails_
306 pages Illustrated by A. B. Shute Price $1.25
This story is one of the best tales of Colonial days penned by this
favorite author for young people. A central figure is the noted Indian
warrior, Pontiac, and the particulars are given of the rise and fall of
that awful conspiracy against the whites, which will never be
forgotten, and vivid pen pictures are given of fights in and around the
forts and at a trading-post on the Ohio.
VOLUME SIX
TRAIL AND TRADING POST
Or _The Young Hunters of the Ohio_
320 pages Illustrated Price $1.25
A fine closing volume to this deservingly popular series. Here we again
meet the Morris boys, and many other friends. The plot centres about
the possession of a certain trading-post on the Ohio River at a time
just previous to the Revolution, and there are some encounters with the
unfriendly Indians and with some Frenchmen who wished to claim the post
as their own.
There are few authors whose books have so wide and so thoroughly
satisfactory a reading as those by Mr. Stratemeyer--_Courier, Boston_
American Boys' Biographical Series
By EDWARD STRATEMEYER
VOLUME ONE
AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF WILLIAM McKINLEY
300 pages Illustrated by A. B. Shute and from Photographs $1.25
Here is told the whole story of McKinley's boyhood days, his life at
school and at college, his work as a school teacher, his glorious
career in the army, his struggles to obtain a footing as a lawyer, his
efforts as a Congressman and a Governor, and lastly his prosperous
career as our President, all told in a style particularly adapted to
boys and young men. The book is full of interesting anecdotes, all
taken from life, showing fully the sincere, honest, painstaking efforts
of a life cut all too short. The volume will prove an inspiration to
all boys and young men, and should be in every library.
For nearly a year Mr. Stratemeyer has been gathering material and
giving careful study to the life of the young William, his childhood,
his boyhood, and all his inspiring and romantic history. The story was
nearing its end when the awful finale came and tragedy ended the drama
of President McKinley's life.--_New York Journal._
VOLUME TWO
AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT
300 pages 12mo Illustrated from Photographs $1.25
This excellent work for young people covers the whole life of our
strenuous executive, as schoolboy, college student, traveler, author,
hunter and ranchman, as assemblyman, as civil service commissioner, as
Assistant Secretary of the Navy, as a daring rough rider, as Governor
of New York, and lastly as President. Full of stories taken from real
life and told in a manner to interest both young and old.
We unreservedly recommend Mr. Stratemeyer's books for boys. They are
wholesome, accurate as to historical details, and always
interesting.--_Boston Times._
End of Project Gutenberg's For the Liberty of Texas, by Edward Stratemeyer