about midnight
As soon as we had finished our meal , we lay down by the fire , with our muskets loaded close to us , and our ammunition placed out of danger . We were so tired that we were soon fast asleep . It had been agreed that Romer should keep the first watch , and Hastings the middle , and I the morning ; but Romer fell asleep , and the consequence was , that the fire was not kept up . It was about midnight that I was awakened by something breathing hard in my face , and just as I could recall my senses and open my eyes , I found myself lifted up by my waistband , and the teeth of some animal pinching my flesh . I tried to catch at my musket , but I put out my wrong hand , and laid hold of a still lighted brand out of the fire , which I darted into the animal 's face ; it let me drop directly , and ran away . '' `` What a providential escape ! '' said Mrs. Seagrave .