You of the north are silent to hide your thoughts, and we of the south talk to hide ours!" Ned still said nothing, and Santa Anna examined him searchingly.

He sent his piercing gaze full into the eyes of the boy.

Ned, proud of his race and blood, endured it, and returned it with a firm and steady look.

Then the face of Santa Anna changed.

He became all at once smiling and friendly, like a man who receives a welcome guest.