"General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, President of the Mexican Republic and Commander-in-chief of its armies and navies." Both Mr.Austin and the boy arose and bowed as a small man of middle years, slender and nervous, strode into the room, standing for a few moments near its center, and looking about him like a questing hawk.

His was, in truth, an extraordinary presence.

He seemed to radiate an influence that at once attracted and repelled.

His dark features were cut sharply and clearly.

His eyes, set closely together, were of the most intense black that Ned had ever seen in a human head.