It was truly fortunate for Ned that he was quick of thought, and that his thoughts came quickest when the danger was greatest.

He knew that the cry of "Fulton!" was unintelligible to them, and he exclaimed: "Save me, comrades! He tried to beat me without cause, and now he would kill me, as you see!" Urrea had drawn a pistol and was shouting fiery Mexican oaths.

The soldiers, some of them just awakened from sleep, and all of them dazed, had gathered in a huddle, but they opened to let Ned pass.

Excessive and cruel punishment was common among them.

A man might be flogged half to death at the whim of an officer, and instinctively they protected their comrade.
As the Mexican group closed up behind him, and between him and Urrea, Ned ran at top speed toward the west where the arroyo cut across the plain.