three o'clock
The rough road lasted until a considerable descent was made on the western side , and ended on the edge of a grassy valley . At this point Weaver advised that the horses should be left and the command proceed on foot ; for if the Indians were in camp at the rapids it would be impossible to approach mounted without alarming them , while if on foot the noise of the rushing water would cover the sound of all movements . Six men were sent back to a narrow defile to prevent the attacking party from being surprised by the detachment of Indians which had taken the northern trail , should they intend to rejoin their friends at the rapids . Upon the recommendation of the scouts I determined to defer making an attack until after three o'clock , for they assured me that at that time the enemy would be feeling quite secure from pursuit and be in their deepest sleep . The horses were picketed , guards posted , and a lunch distributed , and all not on duty lay down to wait . Time dragged slowly . About one o'clock a noise on the opposite side of the creek attracted attention , and Cooler crept away in the darkness to ascertain its cause .