"You have been kind to
me, Colonel Almonte, and I do not wish to tell you anything but the
truth. The Texans will fight oppression and bad faith. You do not know,
the Mexicans do not know, how hard they will fight. Our charter has been
violated and President Santa Anna would strip our people of arms and
leave them at the mercy of savage Indians."
Almonte was about to make a passionate reply, but he checked himself
suddenly and said in mild tones:
"It is not fair for me to attack you, a prisoner, even in words. Look
how Orizaba grows! It is like a pillar holding up the heavens!"
Ned gazed in admiration. He did not wonder that Almonte loved this
country of his, so full of the strange and picturesque. The great
mountain grew and grew, until its mighty cone, dark below, and white
above, seemed to fill the horizon. But much of the gayety of Almonte
departed.
"Before night," he said, "we will be with General Cos, who is my
commander. As you know, he is the brother-in-law of General Santa Anna,
and--he is much inflamed against the Texans. I fear that he will be hard
with you, but I shall do what I can to assuage his severity."
"I thank you, Colonel Almonte," said Ned with a gravity beyond his
years.
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