noon
Nothing of note occurred in the little camp at the Lone-tree Spring that first night . Just before sunset the young Texan and Willie Pond took a gallop of four or five miles to exercise their horses and use themselves to the saddle , and when they came back with freshened appetites , ate heartily , and afterward slept soundly . The next morning both woke with the sun , and after a hearty meal the pack-horse was loaded , the other animals saddled , and the route taken for the Hills . A ride of six or seven miles brought them into the trail of the larger party , and at noon , or a little before , the Texan halted on the camping-ground occupied by that party the night before . The embers of their fires were yet alive , and over them the Texan cooked dinner for himself and companion . Pointing to the bones and scraps of meat thrown around , the Texan laughed , and said : `` They 've plenty now , but before they get through they 'll be more careful , for if the Indians are thick , game will be hard to get ; and I 'm thinking they 'll find Indians before they 're three days out . '' `` You said the Sioux would be friendly to you ? ''