He rode to the group of trees that had been designated as the place of meeting, and left his horse there.

He noticed considerable grass within the ring of trunks, and he was quite confident that Old Jack would remain there until his return.
But he addressed to him words of admonition: "Be sure that you stay among these trees, old friend," he said, "because it's likely that when I want you I'll want you bad.

Remain and attend to this grass." Old Jack whinnied softly and, after his fashion, rubbed his nose gently against his master's arm.

It was sufficient for Ned.

He was sure that the horse understood, and leaving him he went back to the arroyo, which he entered without hesitation.
Ned was well armed, as every one then had full need to be.