midnight
`` Miller , '' he said , `` go down and take hold of these scows . We 've got to get this stuff up here on the bank and under some protection . I do n't want these Indians on my hands any longer than necessary . Keep 'em at it until midnight , if necessary , and then make up an outfit for 'em to-morrow and let 'em hit the trail . '' `` What are you going to do with the boats ? '' asked Roy . `` We 're going to use 'em to make a cabin big enough for our new family , '' answered the colonel , smiling perfunctorily .