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.