About nine o'clock
Jean kept a sharp lookout from his window while he ate his supper of meat , bread , and milk . At last the children , worn out by the long day , fell asleep . The women whispered a little in their corner . About nine o'clock Jean signified his intention of going out to reconnoitre . `` Dad , they 've got the best of us in the daytime , '' he said , `` but not after dark . '' Jean buckled on a belt that carried shells , a bowie knife , and revolver , and with rifle in hand he went out through the kitchen to the yard . The night was darker than usual , as some of the stars were hidden by clouds .