about eight o'clock at night
The rest I will do with my own hands and the help of my friend . I have spoken -- let me be obeyed quickly ! ' Then they bent low before me and went to make ready to do what I had bidden them . It was then about eight o'clock at night , and after we had had our evening meal we waited until it was nearly eleven , making perfect our plans , and then , when Ruth and Golden Star had gone to rest without knowing of the work which we had in hand -- for we had kept it from them lest they should be anxious for us -- Francis Hartness and I armed ourselves , after I had disguised him as well as I could to make him look like an Indian , and we said good-night to the professor and left the fortress by the same way that we had left it the night before . As soon as we got out into the open air we made our way stealthily back towards the Rodadero , until I caught sight of a sentry standing near one of the carved stones . ` I will go and see whether this is a friend or a foe , ' I whispered . ` Wait here and cover him with your rifle , but do not fire unless you hear me whistle . '