All visible signs indicated that the
scattered Indian bands were rapidly consolidating to the northward,
closing in on those troops scouting the Yellowstone, with determination
to give early battle. Granting that the stream they were now on should
prove to be the Tongue, then the direct route toward where Custer was
supposed to be would be northwest, leading ever deeper into the lonely
wilderness, and toward more imminent peril. Then, at the end of that
uncertain journey, they might easily miss Custer's column. That which
would have been quickly decided had he been alone became a most serious
problem when considered in connection with the insane, helpless scout.
But then, there were the despatches! They must be of vital importance
to have required the sending of Murphy forth on so dangerous a ride;
other lives, ay, the result of the entire campaign, might depend upon
their early delivery. Hampton had been a soldier, the spirit of the
service was still with him, and that thought brought him to final
decision. Unless they were halted by Sioux bullets, they would push on
toward the Big Horn, and Custer should have the papers.
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