About midnight
But they did not take the middle of the stream . Theirs was not a large force which could move rapidly , fearing nothing . Instead , they clung close to the eastern shore , in the shadow of the bank and trees , and rowed forward at an even pace , which they slackened only at the curves , lest they plunge suddenly into a hostile force . About midnight they heard faintly the splash of the paddles , and then they drew in again among the bushes at the bank , where they decided to remain for the rest of the night . Henry was to watch about three hours and Shif ` less Sol would be on guard afterward . The four wrapped themselves in their blankets , lay down in the bottom of the boat , and were sound asleep in a few minutes . Henry , rifle across his knees , crouched in the stern .