He had a good mathematical mind, and he saw that the estimate of 7,000 for the Mexican army was not too few.

He also saw many cannon and the horses for a great cavalry force.

He knew, too, that Santa Anna had with him the best regiments in the Mexican service.
On his last trip along the line Ned began to look for the Panther and Obed, but he saw no figures resembling theirs, although he was quite sure that he would know the Panther in any disguise owing to his great size.

This circumstance would make it more dangerous for the Panther than for either Obed or himself, as Urrea, if he should see so large a man, would suspect that it was none other than the redoubtable frontiersman.
Ned was thinking of this danger to the Panther when he came face to face with Urrea himself.

The young Mexican captain was not lacking in vigilance and energy, and even at that late hour he was seeing that all was well in the camp of Santa Anna.