A lot uv the fellers hev brought forage down on thar own hosses fur yourn." "Mr.Reed," said the colonel, gratefully, "you and your men are true friends.

But there's no danger of an ambush here ?" "Nary a chance, colonel.

We've got watchers on the mountings, men that hev lived here all thar lives, an' them gorillers hev about ez much chance to steal up on us ez the snowflakes hev to live in the fires thar." "That being so, we'll all alight and prepare for the night." When Dick sprang from his horse he staggered at first, not realizing how much the cold had affected him, but a little vigorous flexing of the muscles restored the circulation, and, when an orderly had taken their mounts, his comrades and he went to one of the fires, where they spread out their hands and basked in the glow.
They had brought food on extra horses, and expert cooks were at work at once.

Colonel Winchester knew that if his men had plenty to eat and good shelter they would be better fitted for the fierce work before them, and he spared nothing.

Bacon and ham were soon frying on the coals and the pots of coffee were bubbling.
The horses were put behind the high trees which formed a kind of windrow, and there they ate their forage, and raised their heads now and then to neigh in content.