about ten o'clock
By the `` new works '' he meant the stockade over which we had come , and I hastened to impart the information to Sergeant Corney and Jacob , knowing full well that they would be as interested in the venture as was I . The volunteer messengers could not have asked for a better night . When the day had come to an end the storm burst with no inconsiderable fury , and it was safe to predict that it would not clear away before sunrise . Had I been going on the venture I would have set out much before the appointed time , because while the rain came down so furiously there was little chance the enemy 's sentinels could see what might be going on at the southerly end of the fortification , and it seemed as if my opinion was shared by Colonel Willett , for he and the lieutenant were ready to leave at about ten o'clock . I considered it very friendly in him to send us word as to his change of plans , that we might not miss seeing them set forth , and thus it was we beheld the two brave men as they imperilled their lives voluntarily and solely in the hope of aiding their comrades . They carried no weapons save spears , wore no clothing except what was absolutely necessary for comfort , and , stripped to the lightest possible marching trim , they went out into the blackness of the night like true heroes , with a smile and a jest upon their lips . There were not above twenty of us who witnessed the departure , but it is safe to say that no more fervent prayers for their safety could have been offered up if the whole garrison had bent the knee .