Already these were hurrying up to join those rallying warriors under shelter of the river bank.

Even from where Custer stood at the outskirts of the devastated village he could distinguish the warbonnets of Cheyennes, Arapahoes, Kiowas and Comanches mingled together in display of savagery.
His decision was instant, that of the impetuous cavalry leader, knowing well the inherent strength and weakness of his branch of the service.
He could not hope to hold his position before such a mass of the enemy, with the little force at his disposal.

His only chance of escape, to come off victor, was to strike them so swiftly and with such force as to paralyze pursuit.

Already the reinforcing warriors were sweeping forward to attack, two thousand strong, led fiercely by Little Raven, an Arapahoe; Santanta, a Kiowa, and Little Rock, a Cheyenne.
Dismounting his men he prepared for a desperate resistance, although the troopers' ammunition was running low.

Suddenly, crashing through the very Indian lines, came a four-mule wagon.