But he had no more than gone when I discovered a band of Indians on the opposite side of the creek and another party of them directly in front of me.

For a few minutes I fancied that I had made a mistake, and that the men I had seen under the dust were really Indians after all.
But very shortly I saw a body of soldiers forming a skirmish line.

Then I knew that Terry's men were there, and that the Indians I had seen were Terry's scouts.

These Indians had mistaken me for an Indian, and, believing that I was the leader of a big party, shouted excitedly: "The Sioux are coming." That is why the general threw out the skirmish line I had observed.
General Terry, on coming into the Post, ordered the Seventh Cavalry to form a line of battle across the Rosebud; he also brought up his artillery and had the guns unlimbered for action, doubtless dreading another Custer massacre.
These maneuvers I witnessed from my hill with considerable amusement, thinking the command must be badly frightened.

After I had enjoyed the situation to my heart's content I galloped toward the skirmish line, waving my hat.