You
would go north to the Texans, telling them that I mean to come with an
army and crush them. Is it not so?"
"It is," replied Ned boldly.
Santa Anna smiled. He did not seem to be offended at all. His manner,
swift, subtle and changing, was wholly attractive, and Ned felt its
fascination.
"Be your surmise true or not," said the dictator, "it is best for you
not to reach Texas. I have discussed the matter with my brother, General
Cos, in whom I have great confidence, and we have agreed that since you
undertook to reach Vera Cruz you can go there. General Cos will be your
escort on the way, and, as I go to the capital in the morning, I wish
you a pleasant journey and a happy stay in our chief seaport."
It seemed to Ned that there was the faintest touch of irony in his last
word or two, but he was not sure. He was never sure of Santa Anna, that
complex man of great abilities and vast ambition. And so after his
fashion when he had nothing to say he said nothing.
"You are silent," said Santa Anna, "but you are thinking. You of the
north are silent to hide your thoughts, and we of the south talk to hide
ours!"
Ned still said nothing, and Santa Anna examined him searchingly. He sent
his piercing gaze full into the eyes of the boy.
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