midnight
An hour later that evening , with a pack mule , blankets , old newspapers and a brace of cracker boxes , two half-tamed Mohaves were heading for the heights to the north-east , where water would freeze in the canteens these December nights , and the rock tanks were nearly solid ice . Two hours later while Harris , nervous , irritable , and filled with nameless self-reproach , was pacing the narrow veranda at the doctor 's quarters , there was a stir at the southward end of the post , a sound of hoofbeats and footfalls , a running to and fro and lighting up at the office . An orderly came on the jump and banged at the adjutant 's door , and Strong shuffled forth in the moonlight and joined other dark forms over at head-quarters . The sentries were calling the midnight hour without , and the doctor was snoring placidly within . It was barely ten minutes before Strong came back , in one of his hurries , and Harris hailed for the tidings . `` Oh , _ you 'll _ be glad , I 'm betting ! '' was the answer , half-rueful , half-relieved , for somehow Strong had `` taken to '' the doctor 's guest -- and to doubting his own .