ten o'clock
And yet , not three months agone he had stoutly taken up the cudgels for the Frayne garrison , as a whole , against the field , the wordy battle with the son and heir of the colonel commanding at Laramie culminating in a combat only terminated by the joint efforts of the stable sergeant and sentry , for both youngsters were game as their sires . What Sandy Ray was now praying to see was an attack by Stabber 's band upon the isolated troop , but Stabber , it may be said , knew a trick worth ten of that . There was no sense in pitching into the sorrel troop on even terms when by waiting another day , perhaps , and the answer of Lame Wolf to the appeal of his speedy messenger , he might outnumber and overwhelm them with five to one . `` We should be hearing from Omaha and Laramie by ten o'clock , Mrs. Ray , '' said the major , reassuringly , `` and I will send you word at once . And , of course , Corporal Ray , '' he continued , and now with martial formality addressing the lad at the telescope , `` I can rely upon you to report at once in case you see anything suspicious toward the Big Horn . '' `` Yes , sir , '' answered the boy , straightening up to attention . Then , scrupulously exchanging salutes , the old soldier and the young parted company , and the major returned to receive the reports of the old and new officers of the day .