nine o'clock
I shall want 'em . They know my ways an ' I know theirs . '' From the top of the divide the road , smooth and hard , descended to the river , ten miles away . At nine o'clock the head of the column had reached the banks , and a few moments later men and horses had partaken of the clear , cool water . As the infantry and cavalry moved away from the shore the wagons came down the decline , the mules braying with excitement at the sight of the water gleaming through the green foliage of the cottonwoods and the verdant acres of rich grass that stretched along the river-side . Brakes were put on and wheels double-locked , until the harness could be stripped off and the half-frantic animals set free to take a turn in the river . Sheep and oxen plunged down the banks and stood leg-deep in the current while they drank the grateful water .