At last we made out the village, encamped in the sandhills south of the South Platte River at Summit Springs.
Here I left the Pawnees to watch, while I rode back to the command and informed General Carr that the Indians were in sight.
The men were immediately ordered to tighten their saddles and otherwise to prepare for action.

I changed my horse for old Buckskin Joe.

He had been led for me up to this time, and was comparatively fresh.

Acting on my suggestion, General Carr made a circuit to the north.

I knew that if the Indians had scouts out they would naturally watch in the direction whence they had come.