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skirting the light, returned. Telling Hetherington to roll and tie their blankets and ready the horses, they would pull out in twenty minutes, he took notebook and pencil, and leaning close to the fire wrote hurriedly on one knee.
    He did not say he will be 64 this summer and what a fight may do for him.
    According to Field Manual, factors which must be considered by cavalry commander: 1—Degree of surprise attained. 2—Nature of the objective, whether stationary or moving, and whether consists of mounted or dismounted force. 3—Enemy formation, whether close or extended order. 4—Nature and effectiveness of hostile fire and of friendly supporting fire. 5— Terrain. 6—Visibility.
    As of 04.15 hours 16 April accurate information on none of these available. A charge called for notwithstanding. Further, well-known by now, Mexicans will stand as long as their line of retreat is not threatened. Frontal attack does not threaten flanks. Also this command is exhausted, man and beast. Drill regulations: the squadron is rarely deployed in a single line. No one on this campaign has ever seen a squadron in single line even on parade. Proper attack formation under above conditions would be Line of Troop Columns of Platoons, troops wheeling left and right to flank, center firing and drawing fire. No objections from officers at this hour. If Exec. Off. I would object for record.
    Would you?
    He heard platoons reassembling and men swearing softly, trying to suppress excitement as the attack plan was explained to them; the running of the packers as they rounded up the mules. Across the fire Hetherington held their horses.
    This is what happens when men are made to wait too long. No blood on my hands. There is on your mind.
    You want a charge. You want another Hetherington. I did not try to talk with anyone today, even Ticknor. Did not think necessary report Colonel Rogers.
    It is important horses have sufficient bone. Ideal animals should be tight-made, well-muscled and close behind. To stand the gaff of an extended…
    Orders were shouted to douse fires. The officer kicked shale over the embers and the two mounted. Within minutes troops formed by platoons and Provisional Squadron, 12th Cavalry, moved out of the hollow.
    They rode not more than half a mile. When the ground opened the column halted and men dismounted to stand at horses’ heads. No one slept. It was a wait for daylight. The Dog Star disappeared. Troopers shook uncontrollably with cold and some, for the first time, with fear. That a few urinated repeatedly drew no notice. There was little conversation. In the midst of men each man found himself alone. To a young private in F Troop who had never been in battle it occurred that many were waiting to see the place of their own wounding or dying. He told himself he would not be hurt, but burning in his vitals he felt the bullet that would be for him, and unseen, twisting in agony, he leaned against his horse. The sergeant of D Troop sang silently over and over the words of a barracks song about an ostler’s wife who, bent over her tub, took on a soldier and his washing at the same time. The sergeant did not think of the song or of the fight to come. He thought of nothing. Remembering there might be irrigation ditches, a private in C Troop who had served twenty years in the army made up his mind to seek one of them if the Mex fire became too hot for comfort and put his horse out of action with a well-placed round through the shoulder. The Lieutenant of A Troop congratulated himself that he could lead his first command in a charge, but regretted that all sabres had been stored in Dublán because without them it would not be a classic charge. Trying to appear composed, he went up and down his troop annoying his men with orders to tighten cinches and unbutton holsters, which gave him away, and no one obeyed. One of his lips was split, Hetherington whispered to the officer. It pained. The Major cleaned and re-cleaned his glasses.