He felt the swish of the heavy steel over his head, but as he came up again he fired.
Urrea was protected largely by his horse's neck, and Ned fired at the horse instead, although he would have greatly preferred Urrea as a target.

The bullet struck true and the horse fell, but the rider leaped clear and, still holding the saber, sprang at his adversary.

Ned snatched up his rifle, which lay on the ground at his feet, and received the slash of the sword upon its barrel.

The blade broke in two, and then, clubbing his rifle, Ned struck.
It was fortunate for Urrea, too, that he was agile of mind and body.

He sprang back quickly, but the butt of the rifle grazed his head and drew blood.