The Mexicans would wish to take him alive, as they might secure valuable information from him.

Now he heard them shouting to one another, every one boasting that his would be the successful throw.

As Ned's rifle was empty, and he could not reload it at such speed, they seemed to fear nothing for themselves.
He looked back.

They numbered seven or eight, and they were certainly very near.

They had spread out a little and whenever Old Jack veered a yard or two from the pursuers some one gained.