midnight
Ralph carried a lariat , and this was tied to the dead beast and the carcass was swung to the breeze , so that the other beasts of prey might not get at it . `` Of course the vultures and hawks may attack him , but that ca n't be helped , '' said Dan . The work finished , they lost no time in continuing on their way , riding rapidly , and keeping their eyes and ears on the alert as before . But nothing else happened to alarm them , and shortly before midnight they came within sight of the cabin . `` Home , sweet home ! '' cried Ralph . `` I 'll tell you I am glad to be back . ''