The understanding between them was complete.

Then Ned left him, intending to take a position by the bank of the creek as he was on the early watch.
On the way he passed Roylston, who regarded him attentively.
"I judge that your leader, Mr.Palmer, whom you generally call the Panther, is expecting an attack," said the merchant.
"He's the kind of man who tries to provide for everything," replied Ned.
"Of course, then," said Roylston, "he provides for the creek bed.

The Mexican skirmishers can come up it and yet be protected by its banks." "That is so," said the Panther, who had approached as he was speaking.
"It's the one place that we've got to watch most, an' Ned an' me are goin' to sit there on the banks, always lookin'.

I see that you've got the eye of a general, Mr.Roylston." The merchant smiled.
"I'm afraid I don't count for much in battle," he said, "and least of all hampered as I am now.

But if the worst comes to the worst I can sit here with my back to this tree and shoot.