The charm and genius of Santa Anna made him all the more repellent now.

Ned knew that he would break any promise if it suited him, and that cunning and treachery were his most potent tools.
Santa Anna, at that very moment, was discussing with Sesma, Cos, Gaona and others the question of an immediate assault with his whole army upon the Alamo.

They had heard rumors of an advance by Fannin with help for the Texans, but, while some of the younger spirits wished prompt attack, Santa Anna decided on delay.
The dictator doubted whether Fannin would come up, and if he did he would merely put so many more rats in the trap.

Santa Anna felt secure in his vast preponderance of numbers.

He would take the Texans in his own good time, that is, whenever he felt like it.