an hour after midnight
Harry , although he often jested with him about it , secretly admired this characteristic of St. Clair 's . `` You boys sleep while you can , '' said Sherburne , `` because we ca n't afford to linger in this region . Our safety lies in rapid marching , giving the enemy no chance to gather a large force and trap us . Make the best of your time because we 're up and away an hour after midnight . '' The young officers were asleep within ten minutes , but the vigilant riflemen patrolled the country in a wide circuit about them . Sherburne himself , although worn by hard riding , slept but little . Anxiety kept his eyes open .