They were coming into regions across which mounted Indians often passed, doing destruction with rifle and lance, spear and arrow.

Both had more apprehension now about Indians than Mexicans.
At noon of that day they saw four horsemen on their left who shaped their course toward theirs in such a manner that if they moved at an equal pace they would meet at the point of a triangle.

But the horses that Ned and Obed rode were powerful animals, far superior to the ordinary Mexican mounts, and they rode steadily ahead, apparently taking no notice of the four on their flank.
"They're Mexican scouts," said Obed, "I'm sure of it, but I don't believe that they'll come too close.

They see that we have rifles, and they know the deadly nature of the Texan rifle.

If we are friends it's all right, if we are Texans it will be wise to keep at a good distance." Obed was a good prophet.