Obed and he had beaten off the first attack.

There were plenty more bullets where the other two had come from, and he was eager to use them.

He peered out of the bushes, his face red, his eyes alight, his rifle ready for instant use.
But Obed placed one hand on his shoulder: "Gently, Ned, gently!" he said.

"We can't fight an entire Mexican army, but if we slip away to some good position we can beat off any little band that may find us." It was evident that the Mexicans had lost the trail, for the time being.
They were still seeking the quarry but with much noise and confusion.

A trumpet was blown as if more help were needed.