Only a few of the bullets reached the church, and they fell spent against the stones.

Ned saw that very little harm was likely to come from such a fire, but he believed it would be wise to show the Mexicans that the defenders were fully awake.
"Have you any specially good riflemen ?" he asked King.
"Several." "Suppose you put them at the loopholes and see if they can't pick off some of those Mexican horsemen.

It would have a most healthy effect." Six young men came forward, took aim with their long barreled rifles, and at King's command fired.

Three of the saddles were emptied, and there was a rapid movement of the Mexicans, who withdrew further into the wood.

The defenders reloaded and waited.
Ned knew better than Captain King or any of his men the extremely dangerous nature of their position.