On regaining the prairie, the boys found that General Sully had already gone up to the Sioux camps at one side of the ravine by which they had ascended. They at once followed, passing the artillery and the wagon train on the way. When they arrived they found most of the army already assembling on the farther side of the hostile camps, at the base of Tahkahokuty. Far up on the top of the mountain a number of Indians had gathered and were firing upon the troops at very long range. Although the soldiers were very much exhausted by their efforts of the afternoon and were sorely in need of food and rest, it was evident that these annoying neighbors must be dispersed before nightfall. Moreover, it was known that good water was to be found somewhere near the mountain top, at the Falling Spring of Tahkahokuty, as the Indians called the spot, and since the troops were suffering for water, an advance was imperative. General Sully inspected the enemy's position, then said to Colonel Thomas, who was with him,
"Colonel, do you think some of the Eighth Minnesota could clear those fellows out and get possession of the spring, if Captain Jones shells ahead of them?"
"They certainly can and will, General," responded Thomas.
"Four companies ought to be enough," continued Sully. "The rest of the troops can be having mess while they are gone."
"I will instruct Major Camp to make the advance," replied the Colonel, riding away.
Al stepped to the General's side.
"May I have permission to accompany Major Camp, General?" he asked. "This afternoon I came face to face with the Indian who has my brother a prisoner,—Te-o-kun-ko,—but he got away. I might possibly see him again up there."
"The Indian who has your brother?" exclaimed the General, much surprised. "How do you know?"
"By the scar on his cheek and neck and by the way he looked when I called him by name," answered Al.