There was about it scarcely a sign of human life.

From the top of two or three of the tepees light wreaths of smoke floated languidly out on the wintry air, and beyond the pony herd was restlessly moving.

Even as he gazed, half convinced that the Indians had been warned, the village deserted, the sharp report of a rifle rang out in the distance.
Hamlin saw the General spring upright, his lips uttering the sharp command, "_Sound the charge!_" Even while the piercing blare of the bugle cut the frosty air, there was a jingle of steel as the troopers behind spurred forward.

Almost at the instant the three dismounted men were in saddle.

Custer waved his hand at the band, shouted "Play!" and to the rollicking air of "Garry Owen," the eager column of horsemen broke into a mad gallop, and with ringing cheers and mighty rush, swept over the ridge straight down into the startled village.