When he went to Mexico to talk with the rulers there about our troubles
I went with him. I was a prisoner with him in the City of Mexico, and I
often saw the dictator, Santa Anna, and his brother-in-law, General
Cos."
Ned paused and a deep "Ah!" came from the men. They felt from his face
and manner that he was telling no idle tale.
"They said many fine words to Mr. Austin," said Ned, "and always they
promised that they were going to do great things for Texas. But much
time passed and they did nothing. Also they kept Mr. Austin a prisoner.
Then I escaped. I believed that they were preparing to attack Texas. I
was right. I was recaptured and both President Santa Anna and General
Cos told me so. They told me because they did not believe I could escape
again, as they sent me to one of the submarine dungeons under the castle
of San Juan de Ulua. But even under the sea I found a friend, Obed
here, and we escaped together. We have since seen the army of General
Cos, and it is marching straight upon Texas. Santa Anna means to crush
us and to execute all our leaders."
Again came that deep murmurous "Ah!" and now it was full of anger and
defiance.
"You say you saw the army of Cos?" asked Bowie.
"Yes," replied Ned, "I saw it before I was taken to the castle of San
Juan de Ulua and afterward in Northern Mexico, marching straight toward
Texas.
Pages:
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280