midnight
They had no difficulty in keeping to the trail , but it wound over many a weary mile . Night comes early in the mountain forest , and before two hours had passed they were groping their way along the narrow road cut through the dense brush , and clinging to each other . They were brave lads ; but long fasting , and excitement , and a terrible climax to the most trying day of their lives , had flung gunpowder among their nerves . It was midnight when they reached the pueblo . The stars illumined fitfully the deserted huts , black in the heavy shadows . A coyote was yapping dismally , owls hooted in the forest . Both boys had a vision of deep beds and hot suppers on the ranchos of their respective parents , but they shut their teeth and raided the larder .