We 've always let those fellows alone during the bad weather, an' they 've got so they expect it.

The 'old man' figures he 'll give 'em a surprise." "A winter campaign ?" "Why not?
We can stand it if they can.

O' course, I 'm just guessin'; there 's no leak at headquarters.

But Custer 's up there," with a wave of the hand to the north, "and they 've got the maps out." "What maps ?" "I only got a glimpse of them out of the tail of my eye, but I reckon they was of the kintry south of the Arkansas, along the Canadian." Hamlin sat down beside him, staring across the big room.
"Then it's Black Kettle; his band is down on the Washita," he announced.

"I hope it's true." "They 're arrangin' supply depots, anyhow; six companies of infantry are on Monument Creek, and five troops of cavalry on the North Canadian a'ready.