ELISHA KENT KANE. 31 



The Mexicans were commanded by General 

 Gaona, a soldier of some distinction in the service 

 of his country. He was accompanied by his son, a 

 young officer of great promise. Dr. Kane's horse 

 was severely wounded and fell to the ground. He 

 soon released himself from the prostrate animal, 

 and continued to fight. The action was brief but 

 decisive. General Gaona and his son were both 

 wounded ; General Torrejon, five .officers, and forty 

 privates were taken prisoners. Dr. Kane was him- 

 self slightly wounded, and conducted himself on 

 this occasion with great gallantry. The victory of 

 the Americans was complete. 



But the most singular episode of this occasion yet 

 remained to be enacted. The younger Gaona was 

 bleeding to death from his wound in the lungs. 

 Dr. Kane, perceiving his critical condition, succeeded 

 in tying up a severed artery, and thus saved the life 

 of his gallant foe. After journeying for some dis- 

 tance with their prisoners, the savage Dominguez 

 seemed determined to wreak his vengeance on the 

 captives by putting them to death. This inhuman 

 purpose Dr. Kane resolutely opposed ; but it was not 

 until he displayed the most determined repugnance 

 to it, and even drew his revolver and threatened 

 to shoot the first man who laid his hand upon a pri- 

 soner, that he succeeded in changing the intention 



