noon
And now , homeward bound , he was jogging contentedly along at the head of the troop . Scouts and flankers signaled `` all clear . '' Not a hostile Indian had they seen since leaving the Gap . The ambulances with a little squad of troopers had hung on a few moments at the noon camp , hitching slowly and leisurely that their passengers might longer enjoy their post prandial siesta in the last shade they would see until they reached Cantonment Reno , a long day 's ride away . Presently the lively mule teams would come along the winding trail at spanking trot . Then the troop would open out to right and left and let them take the lead , giving the dust in exchange , and once more the rapid march would begin . It was four P. M. when the shadows of the mules ' ears and heads came jerking into view beside him , and , guiding his horse to the right , Dean loosed rein and prepared to trot by the open doorway of the stout , black-covered wagon .