twelve o'clock
queried Murden , after a moment 's thought . `` Quite so , for it is our only hope to escape persecution , '' returned Fred . `` Well , perhaps you are right , '' the officer said , `` and I will consent to follow your suggestions ; but I claim the privilege of assisting you in your watch . '' `` That we are quite willing to accord , and as it is past twelve o'clock we may as well begin it , for there is no knowing how soon our enemies may steal upon us . '' To prevent the dog from giving an alarm we tied him up , and then extinguished our lights , and carefully walked around the building , keeping well in the shade , so that if any one was approaching we could be informed of the fact , and be prepared to give a warm reception . The night was very quiet and warm , and the only sounds to be heard were the humming of the thousands of insects that filled the air , or an occasional howling of some dog , tied up during the temporary absence of its owner , or the loud snoring of Steel Spring , who , taking but little interest in matters that did not concern his stomach or himself , went to sleep at an early hour in the evening with his head resting on a herring box , and his long legs on a barrel , and such doleful sounds did he emit from his nasal organ , that even the horses were kept in a state of perpetual irritation , and were inclined to refuse their provender . Occasionally on the heavy night air would come a dull sound , like a splash of water , which showed that some industrious miners were trying to keep their claim clear , and for that purpose were bailing out water day and night .