Ned, Obed and the Ring Tailed Panther stayed together.

They did not anticipate the arrival of the Mexican forces before dawn, but Castenada might send spies ahead, and the Mexican scouts were full of wiles and stratagems.
"At any rate," said the Panther, "if we catch any Mexican prowling around here we'll throw him into the river." "All things, including Mexicans, come to him who waits," said Obed, "and speaking for myself I'd rather they wouldn't come until day.

It's more comfortable to sit quiet in the dark." These three and six others had taken a position under a great oak tree, where they were well shaded but could easily see anyone who approached the ford on the opposite side.

Back of them a few lights burned in the little town, where the anxious women watched, but no noise came from it or the second ford, where the other half of the eighteen were on guard.
Their horses were tethered some distance in the rear and they, too, rested in quiet.
The tree sent up a great gnarled root and Ned sat on the ground, leaning against it.

It just fitted into the curve of his back and he was very comfortable.