Yet if Santa Anna was acting he was doing it with consummate skill, and the boy who never said a word watched him all the time.
Santa Anna began to talk now of the great future that awaited the Texans under the banner of Mexico.

He poured forth the words with so much Latin fervor that it was almost like listening to a song.

Ned felt the influence of the musical roll coming over him again, but, with an effort of the will that was almost physical, he shook it off.
Santa Anna painted the picture of a dream, a gorgeous dream of many colors.

Mexico was to become a mighty country and the Texans with their cool courage and martial energy would be no mean factor in it.

Austin would be one of his lieutenants, a sharer in his greatness and reward.
His eloquence was wonderful, and Ned felt once more the fascination of the serpent.