nine o'clock
Stone , the trooper who had reported the first Indian , had turned his horse over to the second man , as had the corporal on that flank , and together they were crouching up along the eastward face of a billowing hillock , while , straight to the front Sergeant Scott , obedient to a signal from his left hand man , was speeding diagonally along the rise to the north , for all three advance troopers had halted and two were cautiously dismounting . Ray watched one moment , with kindling eyes , then turned to his young chief of platoons : `` Take your men , Field , and be ready to support . There 's something behind that second ridge ! '' As Webb had predicted , even before nine o'clock , came prompt , spirited response from Laramie , where the colonel had ordered the four troops to prepare for instant march , and had bidden the infantry to be ready for any duty the general might order . From Omaha , -- department headquarters , -- almost on the heels of the Laramie wire came cheery word from their gallant chief : `` Coming to join you noon train to-day . Cheyenne 1:30 to-morrow . Your action in sending Ray 's troop approved .