midnight
They remained by the creek until they were rested , forded it and went on . The ground now was hard and dry . They found themselves in a sparse pine forest where walking was easy . By nightfall they were out on an open prairie , and at midnight they came to the trading post at Legrue . The trader blinked as he responded to their knocks . In response to Payne 's request for information as to the nearest telegraph office he stared stupidly . `` Where in the name of alligators you been wadin ' , boys ? ''