"And if we should surrender, what then?"
"The mercy of the illustrious General Santa Anna, whatever it may be."
"I saw his mercy at the Alamo," replied Ned, "and we
want none of it. Nor would we surrender, even if we could trust your most illustrious General Santa Anna."
"Then take your fate," said Urrea. "Since you were at the Alamo you know what befell the defenders there, and this place, mostly in ruins, is not nearly so strong. Adios!"
"Adios!" said Ned, speaking in a firm tone. But he felt that there was truth in Urrea's words. Little was left of the mission but its strong walls. Nevertheless, they might hold them.
"What did he say?" asked King.
"He demanded our surrender."
"On what terms?"
"Whatever Santa Anna might decree, and if you had seen the red flag of no quarter waving in sight of the Alamo you would know his decree."