Then Santa Anna, removing his stare from his face, looked him slowly up and down.

The generals said nothing, waiting upon their leader, who could give life or death as he chose.

Ned was sure that Santa Anna remembered him, and, in a moment, he knew that he was right.
"It is young Fulton, who made the daring and ingenious escape from our hospitality in the capital," he said, "and who also departed in an unexpected manner from one of the submarine dungeons of our castle of San Juan de Ulua.

Fate does not seem to reward your courage and enterprise as they deserve, since you are in our hands again." The dictator laughed and his generals laughed obediently also.

Ned said nothing.
"I am informed by that most meritorious young officer, Captain Urrea," continued Santa Anna, "that you were captured about three o'clock this morning trying to escape from the Alamo." "That is correct," said Ned.
"Why were you running away in the dark ?" Ned flushed, but, knowing that it was an unworthy and untruthful taunt, he remained silent.
"You do not choose to answer," said Santa Anna, "but I tell you that you are the rat fleeing from the sinking ship.