But the sentinel on the left and the sentinel on the right were now hidden by the fog, and, since he could not confer with them at once, he resolved to see what this increase of noise meant.
He cocked his rifle and stole forward over the prairie.

He could not see more than ten or fifteen yards ahead, but he went very near to the Mexican camp, and then lay down in the grass.

Now he saw the cause of the swelling sounds.

The Mexican force, gathering up its arms and horses, was retreating.
Ned stole back to the camp with his news.
"You have done well, Ned, lad," said Moore.

"I think it likely, however, that they are merely withdrawing to a stronger position, but they can't escape us.