"It was just as well," he said, "that I did not stay here and try to read all those books. I read enough about the ancient times, too. What father wanted me to know about is Mexico as it is now, and I've seen a great deal of it. What I want to see next is our army, and I'm going to find my way to Vera Cruz. Then I'll get on board an American ship, somehow or other. I wonder if the Mexican officers will manage to arrest me between this and the seacoast." That was a point worth thinking of, for General Zuroaga had told him very plainly that some ignorant or overhasty patriot might easily find an excuse for calling him a spy, and having him shot at a moment's notice. He did not have a long time to consider that matter, however, for the door opened, and the two senoras walked in, with clouded faces. "Senor Carfora," said Senora Tassara, "you will have no time to lose. General Zuroaga is right, and his letter must go at once to his friend, General Morales, who is now in command at Vera Cruz. So must one from my own husband. It is important, for the best interest of Mexico, that Morales should know the whole truth. That is, he must be informed that he cannot expect any help from Santa Anna's beaten army. Are you too tired to set out immediately? I can give you a fresh horse." "I'll go!" exclaimed Ned. "My pony isn't tired. He is a first-rate traveller. I want something to eat, though, and I wish I knew whether or not the army patrols will stop me on the way." "I can take care of that," said Senora Paez. "I have had to send special messengers before this. You will be able to show a government pass." As she spoke, she held out to him a sealed envelope. Where or how she had obtained such a thing, she did not explain, but it was an official envelope, and on it was a printed lettering which might have been translated: "Government Business. From the Headquarters of the Army. Despatches from His Excellency, General Bravo." In her own handwriting was added, moreover: "To His Excellency, General Morales, Vera Cruz." "There!" she said. "If it becomes necessary, show that, and any man hindering you will be promptly punished. Do not show it if you can help it, however, for there are many kinds of army officers nowadays." "I have seen some of them," said Ned, but what he was really thinking about most seriously, at that moment, was the supper he had asked for, and he was well pleased to be led down into the dining-room. CHAPTER XIV. THE DESPATCH-BEARER There are hills to climb, on the crooked highway from the city of Mexico to the sea, but the greater part of the distance is down, down, down, for its highest point is over seven thousand feet above tidewater. It was in a pass leading over this ridge that Ned Crawford looked around him, up and down and ahead, and exclaimed, as well as his chattering teeth would let him: