He promises
the Texans redress for their wrongs, and, at the same time, he orders
them to give up their weapons. Do you think, and does General Santa Anna
think, that the Texans are fools?"
Despite all his study and thought, Ned Fulton was only a boy and he did
not have the wisdom of the old. The manner and words of General Cos had
angered him, and, on impulse, he gave a direct reply. But he knew at
once that it was impolitic. Cos' eyes lowered, and his lips drew back
like those of an angry jaguar, showing his strong white teeth. There was
no possible doubt now about that Spanish strain of cruelty.
"I presume," he said, and he seemed to Ned to bite each word, "that you
meant to go to the Texans with the lying message that the word of the
most illustrious General Santa Anna was not to be believed?"
"I meant to go with such a message," said Ned proudly, "but it would not
be a lying one."
Knowing that he was already condemned he resolved to seek no subterfuge.
"The President cannot be insulted in my presence," said Cos ominously.
"He is only a boy, General," said Almonte appealingly.
"Boys can do mischief," said Cos, "and this seems to be an unusually
cunning and wicked one. You are zealous, Colonel Almonte, I will give
you that much credit, but you do not hate the Gringos enough.
Pages:
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119