ity. He saw the
shagginess of a buffalo coat, the gleam of a white face. All else
vanished in a fierce desire to kill. He leaped forward, crazed with
sudden hate, hurled aside the naked bodies in the path, and sent his
whirling carbine stock crashing at Dupont. Even as it struck he fell,
clutched by gripping hands, and over all rang out the cheer of the
charging troopers. Hamlin staggered to his knees, spent and
breathless, and smiled grimly down at the dead white man in that ring
of red.

It was over, yet that little body of troopers dared not remain. About
them still, although demoralized and defeated, circled an overwhelming
mass of savages capable of crushing them to death, when they again
rallied and consolidated. Custer did the only thing possible. Turning
loose the pony herd, gathering his captives close, he swung his compact
command into marching column. Before the scattered tribes could rally
for a second attack, with flankers out, and skirmishers in advance, the
cavalrymen rode straight down the valley toward the retreating
hostiles. It was a bold and desperate move, the commander's object
being to impress upon the Indian chiefs the thought of his utter
fearlessness, and to create the impression that the Seventh would never
dare such a thing if they did not have a larger force behind. With
flags unfurled, and the band playing, the troopers swept on. The very
mad audacity of the movement struck terror into the hearts of the
warriors, and they broke and fled. As darkness fell the survivors of
the Seventh rode alone, amid the silent desolation of the plains.

Halting a moment for rest under shelter of the river bank, Custer
hastily wrote his report and sent for Hamlin. The latter approached
and stood motionless in the red glare of the single camp-fire. The
impetuous commander glanced up inquiringly.

"Sergeant, I must send a messenger to Camp Supply. Are you fit to go?"

"As much so as any one, General Custer," was the quiet response. "I
have no wounds of consequence."

"Very well. Take the freshest horse in the command, and an Osage
guide. You know the country, but he will be of assistance. I have
written a very brief report; you are to tell Sheridan personally the
entire story. We shall rest here two hours, and then proceed slowly
along the trail. I anticipate no further serious fighting. You will
depart at once."

"Very well, sir," the Sergeant saluted, and turned away, halting an