It had occurred to Ned, a student of history, that the gladiatorial cruelty of the ancient Romans had descended to the Spaniards instead of the Italians.

Now he was convinced that it was so.
"You shall be kept a prisoner in one of our strongest houses," said Santa Anna, "and Captain Urrea, whose vigilance prevented your escape, will keep guard over you.

I fancy it is a task that he does not hate." Santa Anna had also read the mind of the young Mexican.

Urrea smiled.

He liked this duty.