about twenty to one
All the skirmishers have left and now troops and battalions are departing , too . Maybe whole armies will leave before long , and give us an entirely black sky . '' It grew visibly darker , although many of the stars remained twinkling in their places , but they were much encouraged , nevertheless , and trusting in the aid of the night , still saved the strength of their horses . `` It will make it a little harder for the Sioux to trail us , '' said Boyd , `` and if , by any chance they should get near enough for a shot , the odds are about twenty to one they ca n't hit us . Suppose we stop here , give the horses another short rest , and you search the blackness back there with your glasses again . '' Will was able to discern nothing but the sombre crests of the swells , and Boyd , dismounting , put his ear to the ground . `` I hear something moving , '' he said at last , and then , after a short pause , `` it 's the beat of hoofs . ''