ten
o'clock
All the trusty Apache Mojaves and Hualpais were off with other commands in distant parts of the Territory . He had to take just what the agent could give him at the reservation , -- some Apache Yumas , who were total strangers to him . Within forty-eight hours four had deserted and gone back ; the others proved worthless as trailers , doubtless intentionally , and had it not been for the keen eye of Sergeant O'Grady it would have been impossible to keep up the pursuit by night ; but keep it up they did , and just at sunset , one sharp autumn evening , away up in the mountains , the advance caught sight of the cattle grazing along the shores of a placid little lake , and , in less time than it takes to write it , Mr. Billings and his command tore down upon the quarry , and , leaving a few men to `` round up '' the herd , were soon engaged in a lively running fight with the fleeing Apaches which lasted until dark , when the trumpet sounded the recall , and , with horses somewhat blown , but no casualties of importance , the command reassembled and marched back to the grazing-ground by the lake . Here a hearty supper was served out , the horses were rested , then given a good `` feed '' of barley , and at ten o'clock Mr. Billings with his second lieutenant and some twenty men pushed ahead in the direction taken by the Indians , leaving the rest of the men under experienced non-commissioned officers to drive the cattle back to the valley . That night the conduct of the Apache Yuma scouts was incomprehensible . Nothing would induce them to go ahead or out on the flanks ; they cowered about the rear of column , yet declared that the enemy could not be hereabouts . At two in the morning Mr. Billings found himself well through a pass in the mountains , high peaks rising to his right and left , and a broad valley in front .