Nothing came back, drifting in from the northward. The general and the adjutant and other officers talked, and the men sat more at ease, and the minutes passed. The sun was high in the east; a strong breeze blew across the plains, waving the longer grasses. Then, on a sudden, there was thud of rapid hoofs, a panting and a snorting, and almost before anybody could turn about, into the camp had rushed, at top speed of his horse, Doctor Coates. Scarcely drawing rein he fell off, rather than dismounted, and lay gasping, trying to speak. To him rushed officers and men. “What’s the matter, doctor?” “Hurt?” “Speak, man!” “Can’t you talk?” “Where’s Hamilton?” “Attacked?” The doctor nodded violently. “Boots and saddles, there!” ordered the general, sharply. “Hurry, men!” Smartly Ned blew the call. The men ran hither, thither, tugging their horses into line. Now the doctor was able to speak. “Indians! Over yonder! Got him—surrounded. Almost got me—too.” “How far?” “About five miles.” The general’s voice pealed louder than Ned’s trumpet. “Prepare to mount—mount! Fours right, trot—march!” Out from camp sallied, at brisk trot, the remnants of the squadrons, to the rescue of Captain Hamilton and Lieutenant Tom Custer and their troop. The doctor, on his blown horse, acted as guide. There was no sound of firing; but as the column pushed on, trying to make best speed and yet save strength for the fight, the doctor explained. “Indians tolled us on, then separated. Hamilton took after one party, Tom after other. I went with Tom, until I dropped out at one side, somehow, while I was looking about. Next thing I knew I was lost. Pretty soon I heard a lot of firing, and when I reconnoitered I saw Hamilton’s detachment, only half a mile away, with Indians all around them. Thought I’d ride right through and help him; but the Indians saw me first, and away they came, six or eight of ’em, making for me. Almost got me, too, I tell you! Closed up within arrow range, and if my horse hadn’t been as frightened as I was, and if camp hadn’t appeared just when it did, my scalp would have been gone. I’m afraid Hamilton is in a bad box. They out-numbered him, and had plenty of ammunition.” “Tom may join him.” “Yes, if Tom isn’t in the same fix. Country is full of Indians, I believe.” Two of the five miles had been put behind. It was scarce to be expected that carbine shots could yet be heard; but nevertheless the silence seemed ominous, as if the battle might be over; and with victory to which side? Trot, trot; jingle, jingle; across the grassy plain, with every man leaning forward in his saddle, as if to get there sooner. Then Fall Leaf, the Delaware, signaled back, from a little rise: “People in sight.” The general and Adjutant Moylan clapped their glasses to their eyes, and forthwith the general threw up his gauntleted hand in gesture of relief. “There they come,” he said. “Good! I see the troop guidon.”