"These Texan rebels fight like demons, but we have now a net through which they cannot break.
General Gaona, see that the bands are ready and direct them to play the Deguelo when the signal for the charge is given." Ned shivered again.

The "Deguelo" meant the "cutting-of-throats," and it, too, was to be the signal of no quarter.

He remembered the red flag, and he looked up.

It hung, as ever, on the tower of the church of San Fernando, and its scarlet folds moved slowly in the light morning breeze.

General Gaona returned.
"The bands are ready, general," he said, "and when the signal is given they will play the air that you have chosen." A Mexican, trumpet in hand, was standing near.