midnight
`` Just you wait and see , '' retorted the younger of the comrades , and giving free rein to his pony , he let him nose along through the grass for some distance when the animal turned abruptly and entered the woods , stopping beside a brook . `` You 'd better appoint me guide and captain of this company , '' smiled the boy as they dismounted and drank greedily of the cool water . `` You 'd be a fine captain without a gun , '' retorted Larry , and in high spirits they remounted . For a time the boys had the moon for company , but toward , midnight clouds gathered in the sky and a chilly wind began to blow . `` How about pitching camp pretty soon ? '' suggested Larry . `` Wait till we get to Elkhorn River , '' answered Horace '' .