The silence was profound.

It was a dark night, although the surrounding snow plains yielded a spectral light.

Major Elliott, drinking coffee and munching hard-tack with the troop captain, sent for Sergeant Hamlin.
The latter advanced within the glow of the fire, and saluted.
"We have been gaining on those fellows, Sergeant," the Major began, "and must be drawing close to the Washita." "We are travelling faster than they did, sir," was the reply, "because they had to break trail, and there were some women and children with them.

I have no knowledge of this region, but the creek empties into the Washita without doubt." "That would be my judgment.

Sparling and I were just talking it over.
I shall wait here until Custer comes up; my force is too small to attack openly, and my orders are not to bring on an engagement.