midnight
The dim moonlight was confusing , while the shadow of timber rendered everything indistinct . Yet they were able to make out a herd of ponies , distinguished the distant bark of a dog and the tinkle of a bell . Without question this was the Indians ' winter camp , and they had reached it undiscovered . Custer glanced at his watch -- the hour was past midnight . He pressed Hamlin 's sleeve , his lips close to the Sergeant 's ear . `` Creep back , and bring my officers up here , '' he whispered . `` Have them take off their sabres . ''