Van Zandt promises us the sternest of fronts against treacherous Mexico.

Van Zandt is known to be interested in this fair Dona Lucrezia, just as Polk is.

Now, then, comes Van Zandt with his secret message slipped into the hand of Madam at the Ambassador's ball--Madam, _the friend of England!_ The attache of Mexico is curious--furious--to know what Texas is saying to England! And that message must be concealed! And Madam conceals it in--" She smiled at me brilliantly.

"You come on," she said.

"Should your head be opened and analyzed, yes, I think a trace of brain might be discovered by good chemistry." I resumed impatiently.