midnight
Those on guard duty were not supposed to move about very much . They had been posted at what might be called the four corners of the camp . Here they could , between them , about cover all the space around the sink , for their positions were on the more elevated ground . And as the clouds were breaking at the time Paul crawled under the tent , he felt pretty sure that before long they would have the assistance of the moon , now more than half full , and which would not set until after midnight . Those who were the first on duty fulfilled their part of the programme faithfully . After standing out their `` spell , '' they proceeded to quietly awaken those who were scheduled to follow after them . Each fellow knew who his successor was , and it had been made a part of his duty to see that this scout was not only awakened , but on the job ; after which he himself could crawl in under his blanket , and take it easy until his second turn came , hours later .