Several pistols also were emptied at him, but he yet remained unhurt.
Nevertheless, the horsemen were coming alarmingly near.
He heard the thunder of hoofs in his ears, and he heard also a quick hiss like that of a snake.
Ned knew that the hissing sound was made by a lasso, and as he dodged he felt the coil, thrown in vain, slipping from his shoulders.

He whirled about and fired at the man who had thrown the lasso.

The rider uttered a cry, fell backward on his horse, and then to the ground.
As Ned turned for the shot he saw that Urrea was the leader of the horsemen.

Whether Urrea had recognized him or not he did not know, but the fact that he was there increased his apprehension.

He made a mighty effort and leaped the next instant into the protection of the trees and thickets.