midnight
Colonel Macleod knew nothing of Charlie or Bill ; but he considered the standing of Burroughs , also the unreliability of most Indians ' testimony , and finally acquitted Burroughs unconditionally , while declaring Bill and Charlie guilty of smuggling , and he sentenced them accordingly . Burroughs promptly furnished the money for the payment of Bill 's fine , and Latimer , believing Charlie 's tale , loaned him money to escape the guard-room . * * * * * Great was the rejoicing in Burroughs ' post that night . Long after midnight Bill waited for a moment with his chief . `` I done the best I could , Bob , '' he said dejectedly , when they were at last alone . '' ' F Phil Danvers had n't been along I 'd ` a ' made it . '' `` I 'll get even with him , '' growled Burroughs .