It would be like them to strike while pretending to clear away all the troubles between us." He sighed again.

Ned watched the soldiers until the last of them had passed the window, and then he listened to the music, the sound of drum and fife, until it died away, and they heard only the usual murmur of the city.

Then the homesickness, the longing for the great free country to the north grew upon him and became almost overpowering.
"Someone comes," said Austin.
They heard the sound of the heavy bar that closed the door being moved from its place.
"Our dinner, doubtless," said Austin, "but it is early." The door swung wide and a young Mexican officer entered.

He was taller and fairer than most of his race, evidently of pure Northern Spanish blood, and his countenance was frank and fine.
"Welcome, Lieutenant," said Stephen Austin, speaking in Spanish, which he, as well as Ned, understood perfectly.

"You know that we are always glad to see you here." Lieutenant Alfonso de Zavala smiled in a quick, responsive way, but in a moment his face became grave.
"I announce a visitor, a most distinguished visitor, Mr.Austin," he said.