In my judgment we shall not wait here long alone.

Have you eaten ?" "No, sir; I have been stationing the guard." "Then sit down here and share what little we have.

We can waive formality to-night." It was after nine o'clock when the sentries challenged the advance of Custer's column, as it stole silently out of the gloom.

Ten minutes later the men were hovering about the fires, absorbing such small comforts as were possible, while the General and Major Elliott discussed the situation and planned to push forward.

An hour later the fires were extinguished, the horses quietly saddled, and noiselessly the tired cavalrymen moved out once more and took up the trail.