three
in the morning
John Folsom himself had gone to that very spot , consumed with anxiety about the safety of his son , but confident of the safety of himself and those he loved when once he could reach the ranch . `` No Sioux , '' said he , `` would raise hand to harm me . '' But Loring 's men and horses both were sorely wearied now , and at sundown the little command reached a sheltered nook where grass , wood , and water were abundant . Here restfully , yet anxiously they bivouacked until three in the morning , and then once more , refreshed but alert and cautious , watchful of their prisoners and watchful of the signs ahead , on they sped for Folsom 's ranch . The dawn broke beautifully clear . The trail led down into the romantic valley of the Laramie at the bend where it begins its rush through the range . Then , turning westward as they reached the foot of a steep and commanding height , Loring signaled to his sergeant and the troopers spurred up alongside .