about four o'clock
`` I fear it is but too certain that he has been murdered , '' replied Diaz ; `` but as for the firing that we heard , I believe that had a different origin . '' Don Estevan now mounted his horse , and the two set off in , the direction of the mountains . While the Indians , united in council , were deliberating on the means of attacking the camp of the gold-seekers , let us see how the three men on the island were occupied . It was about four o'clock , and the fog was beginning to rise slowly from the water . Willows and aspens grew on the shores of the river Gila , within rifle-range of the little island , and so near the water that their roots were in the river . The spaces between the trees were filled up by vigorous osier and other shoots ; but just in front of the island was a large open space . This had been made by the troops of wild horses and buffaloes , that came down to drink at the river ; and through this opening any one on the island could see clearly over the plain .