"Softly, Cos, my brother," he said. "Bear in mind that he is only a boy.
I offered too much, and he does not understand. He has put away a
brilliant career, but, my good brother Cos, he has left to him your
hospitality, and you will not be neglectful."
Cos sank back in his chair and laughed. Santa Anna laughed. The two
laughs were unlike, one heavy and angry, and the other light and gay,
but their effect upon Ned was precisely the same. He felt a cold shiver
at the roots of his hair, but he was yet silent, and stood before them
waiting.
"You can go," said Santa Anna. "You have missed your opportunity and it
will not come again."
Ned turned away without a word. The Tlascalans were waiting at the door
of the marquee, and he went with them. Once more he slept under the
stars.
CHAPTER VII
THE DUNGEON UNDER THE SEA
Ned, early the next morning, saw Santa Anna with his brilliant escort
ride away toward the capital, while General Cos resumed his march to
Vera Cruz. Almonte did not reappear at all, and the boy surmised that he
was under orders to join the dictator.
Ned continued on foot among the Tlascalans. Cos offered him no kindness
whatever, and his pride would not let him ask for it.
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