midnight
Then the wary veteran scouted in a circle about their refuge , but did not discover the presence of an enemy . He sat down near the sleeping lad , with his rifle between his knees , and watched the moon come out . Owing to his wilderness experience he had been chosen also to go on a scout toward Jackson , though he preferred to make his on foot , and the sound of Dick 's shots at the hounds had drawn him to an observation which finally turned into a rescue . After midnight the sergeant slept a little while , but he never awakened Dick until it was almost morning . Then he told him that he would go with him on the mission to Hertford , and Dick was very glad . `` What 's become of Slade and his men ? '' asked Dick .