six o'clock
And here came another suggestion . The `` Old Man , '' Major Berry , had somewhat bluntly asked if they did not know they had been trespassing , had been well within the reservation lines and north of Nebraska , and the two swore stoutly that Lem Pearson , partner and projector of the enterprise , had said he knew the country perfectly , had been there half a dozen times , and they left it all to him . They never dreamed they were doing wrong until their camp was `` jumped '' in the dead of night , and the Sioux chased them every inch of the way till they got in sight of the cavalry . Yet here was the detachment , at six o'clock of this sparkling morning , clear out of sight of the rest of the cavalry , and half-way across the long swale of the next divide , and , though the print of the shod horses was easily followed , not once yet , anywhere -- although the little troop was spread out in long extended line and searched diligently -- not once had they found the print of a pony hoof . Now they were full an hour , and nearly four miles , out from camp , and Geordie signalled , slowly swinging his campaign hat about his head , for his men to assemble , then dismount and take their ten minutes ' rest . `` Con , '' said he , presently , `` it 's my belief those scamps were lying . The only Indians near the Chaduza were those that skipped for White River last night and are probably heading for Eagle 's Nest now .