midnight
Henry was in a thick clump of bushes that lay to the north of the house and tepees . Dogs might stray that way or they might not . If they did , a rifle shot would silence the first that gave tongue , and he knew that alone he was too swift in flight to be overtaken by any Indian force . Although past midnight the heavens were a fine silky blue , shot with a myriad of stars , and a full rich moon hanging low . Henry , lying almost flat upon his stomach , with his rifle by his side , was able to see far into the village . He noted that , despite the lateness of the hour , fires were burning there , and that warriors , carrying torches , were passing about . This was unusual .