midnight
The wounded were made as comfortable as possible before the fire , and in the light of the brilliant flames the awe created by the dead quickly passed . Food was served and fresh water was drunk , the canteens being refilled from a spring that Tayoga found a quarter of a mile away . Then the soldiers , save six who had been posted as guard , stretched themselves on grass or leaves , and fell asleep , one by one . Tayoga who had made the greatest physical effort followed them to the land of slumber , but Captain Colden sat and talked with Robert and Willet , although it was now far past midnight . The bushes parted and a dark figure , making no sound as it came , stepped into the circle of light . It was Black Rifle and his eyes still glittered , but he said nothing . Robert thought he saw upon his face a look of intense satisfaction and once more he shuddered a little .