Darkness now thickly settled down. Of course no fighting could be done until the break of day.
But the cavalrymen were not in a position to guarantee them much rest.
Few of them dared to sleep, and then it was upon their arms.
As the night hours dragged by, Clark paced the ground upon the outskirts of the camp and listened for some sign of the return of Jason.
He knew that it was not possible for the faithful courier to return from the fort under two days.
But if the cavalry division was reinforced by the Vigilants and the Steam Man they might be able to keep the foe at bay until the fresh squad should arrive.
Thus the plucky young colonel clung to hope.
Time passed. It seemed an age to Clark before a silent shadowy form slipped out of the gloom and into the camp.
As it drew nearer he recognized the courier Jason.
“Well, my man!” he said, sharply. “You are back.”