Midnight
These were the considerations that weighed with him the most ; for independently of his strong affection for his noble niece , and his interest in her companions , he had never forgotten the occasion when the poor Indian squaw was shot down across the fire over which she was performing an act of kindness to himself ; and often and often , during his after life of repose from the toils of war , had her blood risen to his imagination as if in reproach for the act . If this could be called a weakness , it was the only weak point that could be found in his character . As there was little reason to apprehend that the Indians would occasion any annoyance during the night to those whom they were so certain to take at an advantage in the morning , when far removed from their defences , Captain Headley had caused the garrison to be divided into two watches -- the one being stationed on the ramparts until midnight , when they were ordered to be relieved by the second party , who in the meantime slept -- thus affording to all a few hours of that repose of which for the last week they had scarcely tasted . Midnight had arrived . The watches had been changed , and Corporal Collins being of the new relief , had , after disposing his men in the most advantageous manner to detect an approach , taken his own station near the flag-staff , a point where the greater vigilance was necessary , by reason of the storehouses and other outbuildings of Mr. McKenzie ; under cover it was not difficult for a cautious enemy to approach the place unperceived . He had not been at this point half an hour when he fancied he could discover in the darkness the outline of a man moving cautiously across the ground which had been used for the council , and seemingly endeavoring to gain the rear of the factory . He challenged loudly and abruptly , but there was no answer .