But since I know so much about you and you know nothing about me I will tell you who I am.

My name is Juan Nepomuceno Almonte, and I am a colonel in the service of Mexico and of our great Santa Anna.

I was educated in that United States of yours, Texan, though you call yourself.

That is why I speak the English that you hear.

I have friends, too, among your people." "Well, Colonel Almonte," said Ned, "since I had to be recaptured, I'm glad I fell into your hands." "I wish I could keep you in them," he said, "but I am under the command of General Cos, and I have to rejoin the main force which he leads." Ned understood.