San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1892-04-26

In a weak voice. speaking with great
difficulty. "l-l-have done my best
but they war waitin fer me in the
grass-an didn't see 'em till they war
all about mel gave 'em one shot, an
then His voice died away in a
whisper, and for several moments he lay
as if already dead.
The men standing about him with
white faces brushed the tears from their
eyes, while Mrs. Riggsby and Fanny.
kneeling by the bed, were weeping softly.
each holding hand of the dying man.
Presently he opened his eyes and spoke
again. but it was plain that his mind was
wandering. .---.
I'm goin ter the settlement ter bring
the boys" he said, his voice seeming to
grow stronger as he spoke. They ain t
goin ter keep me housed up hyar like a
rat-they air not goin ter see NELL
crawl through the grass an-thar they
air!-but they amt goin ter take me
aliye"-
He threw up his hand as if to use a
pistol, then sank down and in few mo-
ments he had breathed his last.
For long time no sound broke the
stiffness save the low weeping of Mrs.
Riggsby and Fanny and the moan of the
night winds without. The roughly clad
men stood silently about the bed, while
the Pickering light cleaned upon the
tears that ran down their bearded faces.
Poor Ike" said Riggsby in choking
voice, The risked his life for us, an-an
lost it," and turning away he crossed
the room and stood by the window, his
form shaking with emotion. ....
Mrs. Riggsby and Fanny were led
away and the dead was left to those
who were to prepare it for burial.
The sad and tragic ending of Ike
Bakers heroic attempt to pass the enc
my's lines fell like pail over the little
garrison.
Already others had volunteered to
make similar attempt, but Simon
Riggsby, who had been elected leader OF
the settlers, thought it best to adopt
some other method. Already one life
had been sacrificed. and he realized thai
any further attempts to leave the inr
might result in similar calamity.
A conference was held by the mel
and it was decided to remain passive
but on the alert till morning, when som,
cause of action would be decided upon
Meantime Fanny Riggsby had de
scended into the cellar and thrown her
self upon the bed. which she had spread
in the corner. The startling and tragic
events of the past few hours had rouseC
IN her breast many stronger and con
flicting emotions. At times she woul,
be oppressed with horror and a name
less fear would take possession of her a
she reflected upon the situation of al
those garrisoned at the inn. Then he
spirits would rise in rebellion agains
the besiegers, and she would feel a stron,
impulse to combat them in some man
ner as she thought of the heroic life the,
had taken that night.
"tf ! were only man." she muttere,
vehemently, I'D #.. 81
She stopped abruptly and clinched he
hands together in mute despair. Sud
denly some thought seemed to strik
her, and rising quickly from her har
couch she paced up and down the nal
row chamber with quick. energeti
step.
For several minutes she walked res
lessly to and fro in the darkness, strang
thoughts running riot through her braiI
Something must be done" she sait
half aloud, her breath coming in shar
drawn gasps. liam only CIR
but III do It'll"
She stopped abruptly and listened