Ned's experience had already made him skillful and daring.

The warrior's instinct, born in him, was developing rapidly, and flinging his bridle to Obed he asked him to hold it for a moment.
Before the surprised man could ask why, Ned left him with the reins in his hand, cocked his rifle and crept through the mesquite toward the point whence the sounds had come.

He saw a stooping shadow, and then a man sprang up.

Quick as a flash Ned covered him with his rifle.
"Surrender!" he cried.
"Gladly," cried the man, throwing up his hands and laughing in a hysterical way.

"I yield because you must be a Texan.