about eight
o'clock
God grant us success this night , for if we fail there will be no second chance for us ! '' The other officers seemed to be occupied with similar thoughts , for they examined the whole place and its surroundings very carefully as they ascended ; evidently in order that , should the attempt be successful , they might be able to find their way down in the darkness . At last the summit was reached ; but before the weary men could enjoy the rest of which they stood in such great need , they were obliged to unload the tents and provisions from the pack mules , the Peruvians being much to lazy to do anything for themselves . It was therefore about eight o'clock by the time that the tents were pitched and the evening meal prepared ; and when the food was ready the prisoners ate as much as they could , for they did not in the least know where they would obtain their next meal . This having been done , the pots and pans had to be cleaned and put away ; so that it was a tolerably weary company which at last sought its tents to lie down and rest . But not to slumber . There was not a single Chilian among those to whom the plan had been revealed who closed his eyes , lest he should fall asleep and thus not be ready when the momentous signal should be given .