They did not flinch, as the fire grew heavier, and the cannon balls whistled over their heads.

Ned was sure now that General Urrea was around them with his whole army.

The presence of the cannon indicated it, and he saw enough to know that the Mexican force outnumbered the Texan four or five to one.
He heard the Mexican trumpets pealing presently, and then he saw their infantry advancing in dark masses with heavy squadrons of cavalry on either flank.

But as soon as they came within range, they were swept by the deadly fire of the Texan rifles and were driven back in confusion.
Ned noticed that this always happened.

The Mexicans could never carry a Texan position by a frontal attack.