There by the
aid of a few hastily thrown intrenchments he could have a little plains
fort and be ready to repel even an attack in force. Horses could be
herded in the depths of the sandy shallows. Men could be distributed in
big circle through the trees and along the bank; and, with abundant
rations in their haversacks and water to be had for the digging, they
could hold out like heroes until relief should come from the south.
Obviously, therefore, the cottonwood grove was the place, and thither at
thundering charge Field led the foremost line, while Ray waved on the
second, all hands cheering with glee at sight of the Sioux darting
wildly away up the northward slope. Ten men in line, far extended, were
sent right forward half way across the flats, ordered to drive the
Indians from the bottom and cripple as many as possible; but, if menaced
by superior numbers, to fall back at the gallop, keeping well away from
the front of the grove, so that the fire of its garrison might not be
"masked." The ten had darted after the scurrying warriors, full half way
to the beginning of the slope, and then, just as Ray had predicted, down
came a cloud of brilliant foemen, seeking to swallow the little ten
alive.
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