Just behind them came Ned and Will.

They went very slowly in order to keep the horses' feet from making any sound that listening Mexican sentinels might hear.

They were fortunate in the sand, which was fine and soundless like a carpet.

Ned thought that the Mexicans would not make any attempt upon the grove until late at night, and then only with skirmishers and snipers.

Or they might not make any attempt at all, content with their cordon.
But it was thrilling work as they crept along on the soft sand in the darkness and between the high banks.