noon
Invisible from Fort Frayne , they had both been seen by shrewd non-commissioned officers , sent scouting up the Platte by Major Webb within half an hour of the coming of the alarm . `` Ray will push ahead at once , '' said Webb , to his silent subordinates . `` You see Colonel Plodder has only two troops up there , and he will need all his infantry to defend the post . I 've wired to Laramie and to Department Headquarters , and further orders will come before noon . Let all the cavalry be ready . Then if we push out , Dade , we leave Fort Frayne to you . They 'll hardly venture south of the Platte this time . ''