Ever been protected by the Nephites

1. Alma 53: 10, 12
     10 And now behold, I have somewhat to say concerning the people of Ammon, who, in the beginning, were Lamanites; but by Ammon and his brethren, or rather by the power and word of God, they had been converted unto the Lord; and they had been brought down into the land of Zarahemla, and had ever since been protected by the Nephites.
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     12 And for this cause they were brought down into the land of Zarahemla; and they ever had been protected by the Nephites.