midnight
A meeting point on the outer line , for the next morning , was agreed upon , when the horsemen separated for the evening . `` Get out early , and keep your eyes open for any trace of cattle crossing the line , '' Sargent called back , as he reined homeward . `` Dell and I will leave The Wagon at daybreak . '' The storm struck between midnight and morning . Dawn revealed an angry horizon , accompanied by a raw , blue-cold , cutting wind from the north . On leaving their quarters , both patrols caught the storm on an angle , edging in to follow the circle , their mounts snorting defiance and warming to the work in resisting the bitter morning . The light advanced slowly , a sifting frost filled the air , obscuring the valley , and not until the slope to the south was reached was the situation known .