'"
"Verses from a famous old battle hymn, John. How that Hebrew book fits
itself to all generations! If is to humanity what the sunshine is to
the material world, new every day; as cheering to one generation as
to another, suitable for all ages and circumstances."
"I asked him where the verses were, and learned them. I want to forget
nothing pertaining to that day. Look here!" and John took a little
box out of his pocket and, opening it, displayed one grain of Indian
corn. "Father, Phyllis, I would not part with that grain of corn for
any money."
"It has a story, I see, John."
"I reckon it has. When Santa Anna, disguised as a peasant, and covered
with the mud of the swamp in which he had been hiding, was brought
before Houston, I was there. Houston, suffering very keenly from his
wound, was stretched upon the ground among his officers. The Mexican
is no coward. He bowed with all his Spanish graces and complimented
Houston on the bravery of his small army, declaring; 'that he had never
before understood the American character.' 'I see now,' he said, laying
both his hands upon his breast, 'that it is impossible to enslave
them.' Houston put his hand in his pocket and pulled out part of an
ear of corn. 'Sir,' he asked, 'do you ever expect to conquer men
fighting for freedom who can march four days with an ear of corn for a
ration?' Young Zavala looked at the corn, and his eyes filled.
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