ten o'clock
Across the river , opposite this horseshoe , was a cut-bank twenty feet high in places , with only an occasional cattle trail leading down to the water . This cut-bank formed the second bottom on that side , and the alkaline plain -- the first bottom -- ended a mile or more up the river . It was an ideal situation for a drive-hunt , and legend , corroborated by evidences , said that the Cherokees , when they used this outlet as a hunting-ground after their enforced emigration from Georgia , had held numerous circle hunts over the same ground after buffalo , deer , and elk . The rendezvous was to be at ten o'clock on Encampment Butte , a plateau overlooking the entire hunting-field and visible for miles . An hour before the appointed time the clans began to gather . All the camps within twenty-five miles , and which were entertaining participants of the hunt , put in a prompt appearance . Word was received early that morning that a contingent from the Eagle Chief would be there , and begged that the start be delayed till their arrival .