five o'clock before
They were high up now , where they could overlook the numerous ridges and valleys far around ; and yonder , perhaps two miles away , they could perceive vast bodies of mounted Indians , while the distant sound of heavy firing was borne faintly to their ears . It was vengeful savages shooting into the bodies of the dead , but that they did not know . Messenger after messenger , taking life in hand , was sent skurrying down the bluff , to beg reinforcements to push on for the rescue , swearing it was possible . But it was after five o'clock before Reno moved . Then cautiously he advanced his column toward where N and D Troops yet held desperately to the exposed ridge . He came too late . That distant firing had ceased , and all need for further advance had ended .