He spoke with such fire, such appearance of earnestness, that Ned, despite a mind uncommonly keen and analytical in one so young, was forced to believe for a moment.  Texas, however, was far and immense, and there were not enough soldiers in all America to put a ring around the wild Comanches.  But the impression remained longer with Austin, who was ever hoping for the best, and ever seeing the best in others.

Ned was a silent boy who had suffered many hardships, and he had acquired the habit of thought which in its turn brought observation and judgment.  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.  This was a man to whom only the grand and magnificent appealed, and already he had achieved a part of his dream.

Ned moved a little closer to the window.  He wished the fresh air to blow upon his face.  He saw that Mr. Austin was fully under the spell.  Santa Anna was making the most beautiful and convincing promises.  He himself was going to Texas.  He was the father of his people.  He would right every wrong.  He loved the Texans, these children of the north who had come to his country for a home.  No one could ever say that he appealed in vain to Santa Anna for protection.  Texans would be proud that they were a part of Mexico, they would be glad to belong to a nation which already had a glorious history, and to come to a capital which had more splendor and romance than any other in America.

Ned literally withdrew his soul within itself.  He sought to shut out the influence that was radiating from this singular and brilliant figure, but he saw that Mr. Austin was falling more deeply under it.

“Look!” said Santa Anna, taking the man by the arm in the familiar manner that one old friend has with another and drawing him to the window.  “Is not this a prospect to enchant?  Is not this a capital of which you and I can well be proud?”

He lifted a forefinger and swept the half curve that could be seen from the window.  It was truly a panorama that would kindle the heart of the dullest.  Forty miles away the white crests of Popocatepetl and Ixtaccihuatl still showed against the background of burning blue, like pillars supporting the dome of heaven.  Along the whole line of the half curve were mountains in fold on fold.  Below the green of the valley showed the waters of the lake both fresh and salt gleaming with gold where the sunlight shot down upon them.  Nearer rose the spires of the cathedral, and then the sea of tile roofs burnished by the vivid beams.