ack
Kettle's was the winter rendezvous not only of Cheyennes, but also of
bands of fighting Arapahoes, Kiowas, Comanches, and even some Apaches,
the most daring and desperate warriors of the plains. Yet this was no
time to hesitate, to debate; it was a moment for decisive action. The
blow must be struck at once, before daylight, with all the power of
surprise.

The little body of cavalrymen was divided into four detachments. Two
of these were at once marched to the left, circling the village
silently in the darkness, and taking up a position at the farther
extremity. A third detachment moved to the right, and found their way
down into the valley, where they lay concealed in a strip of timber.
Custer, with the fourth detachment under his own command, remained in
position on the trail. The sleeping village was thus completely
surrounded, and the orders were for those in command of the different
forces to approach as closely as possible without running risk of
discovery, and then to remain absolutely quiet until daybreak. Not a
match was to be lighted nor a shot fired until the charge was sounded
by the trumpeter who remained with Custer. Then all were to spur
forward as one man.

CHAPTER XXXVII

THE BATTLE WITH THE INDIANS

Corbin had gone with the detachment circling to the left, and
"California Joe" was with the other in the valley, but Hamlin remained
with the chief. About them was profound silence, the men standing
beside their horses. There was nothing to do but wait, every nerve at
high tension. The wintry air grew colder, but the troopers were not
allowed to make the slightest noise, not even to swing their arms or
stamp their feet. After the last detachment swept silently out into
the night, there still remained four hours until daylight. No one knew
what had occurred; the various troops had melted away into the dark and
disappeared. No word, no sound had come back. They could only wait in
faith on their comrades. The men were dismounted, each one holding his
own horse in instant readiness for action. Not a few, wearied with the
day's work, while still clinging to their bridles, wrapped the capes of
their overcoats over their heads and threw themselves down in the snow,
and fell asleep.

At the first sight of dawn Hamlin was sent down the line to arouse
them. Overcoats were taken off, and strapped to the saddles, carbines
loaded and slung, pistols examined and loosened in their holste