There was, therefore, an imperative military reason for keeping secret the truth concerning Santa Anna's great victory, and Ned responded: "General Morales, everybody will be asking me questions. I guess I know exactly what you wish me to tell. I was ordered to keep my mouth shut." "See that you do!" growled the general. "Or a musket-ball will shut it for you. Go out now. If I want you, I shall be able to find you." They walked out of the inner room together, and they found the main office crowded, as if many more had hurried in to hear the expected news. "Gentlemen! Fellow citizens!" shouted the general, enthusiastically, as he waved his packet of despatches over his head. "This is glorious! Our illustrious commander-in-chief, after having given such a severe lesson to our barbarous invaders at the north, is marching with his entire force to our own assistance. He will soon crush our assailants on the seacoast as he has the gringo mob under Taylor!" A storm of cheers responded, and the entire crowd seemed disposed to exchange hugs and handshakes, while he turned to an officer at a table. "By the Way, major," he said, "write an order for quarters and rations for General Bravo's messenger, Carfora. I may need him again in a few days. Keep track of him. He is a civilian, but he is a trusted agent of certain parties whom you may know." The major began to write something, and, as he did so, Ned believed that he heard him muttering words which sounded like: "Humph! Messenger of his Excellency, Santa Anna! We will take good care of him!"