His manner, swift, subtle and changing, was wholly attractive, and Ned felt its fascination.
"Be your surmise true or not," said the dictator, "it is best for you not to reach Texas.

I have discussed the matter with my brother, General Cos, in whom I have great confidence, and we have agreed that since you undertook to reach Vera Cruz you can go there.

General Cos will be your escort on the way, and, as I go to the capital in the morning, I wish you a pleasant journey and a happy stay in our chief seaport." It seemed to Ned that there was the faintest touch of irony in his last word or two, but he was not sure.

He was never sure of Santa Anna, that complex man of great abilities and vast ambition.

And so after his fashion when he had nothing to say he said nothing.
"You are silent," said Santa Anna, "but you are thinking.