Many evidences of the siege remained. There were tunnels,
wrecked houses and masses of stone and adobe. The appearance of the
young prisoner aroused the greatest curiosity among both soldiers and
people. He heard often the word "Texano." Women frequently looked down
at him from the flat roofs, and some spoke in pity.
Ned was silent. He was resolved not to ask Urrea any questions or to
give him a chance to show triumph. He noticed that they were advancing
toward the plaza, and then they turned into the Veramendi house, which
he had cause to remember so well.
"This was the home of the Vice-Governor," said Urrea, "and General Santa
Anna is here."
"I know the place," said Ned. "I am proud to have been one of the Texans
who took it on a former occasion."
"We lost it then, but we have it now and we'll keep it," said Urrea. "My
men will wait with you here in the courtyard, and I'll see if our
illustrious general is ready to receive you."
Ned waited patiently. Urrea was gone a full half hour, and, when he
returned, he said:
"The general was at breakfast with his staff. He had not quite finished,
but he is ready to receive you now."
Then Urrea led the way into the Veramendi house.
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