"To retreat is also impossible, even if we wished it," said Custer, grimly.
It was indeed so; the command could never scale the bluffs again in the face of those defending them.
Again the boy appealed.
"General, the whole river bank is a mass of reds. It is a trap, an ambuscade. Turn back, or halt, if you value your life," he exclaimed.
Several of the officers were waiting for a reply; but Custer, firm and brave to the last, did not hesitate in his course.
He realized that a terrible error had been committed in dividing his troop; but he possessed the spirit to persist in his former plan, hoping to come out all right in the end.
His fellow officers saw the lips pressed firmly together.
Then came the one word:
"Forward!"
The foot of the bluffs was reached, and then the truth of the boy's assertion became manifest.