About midnight
When they retired for the night , everything was arranged , so that the different members of the party might know where to assemble within the works . Among the effects of Gershom , were a conch and a horn ; the latter being one of those common instruments of tin , which are so much used in and about American farm-houses , to call the laborers from the field . The conch was given to the men , that , in case of need , they might sound the alarm from without , while the horn , or trumpet of tin , was suspended by the door of the chiente , in order that the females might have recourse to it , at need . About midnight , long after the whole party had retired to rest , and when the stillness of the hours of deepest repose reigned over the openings , the bee-hunter was awoke from his sleep by an unwonted call . At first , he could scarce believe his senses , so plaintive , and yet so wild , was the blast . But there could be no mistake : it was the horn from the chiente , and , in a moment , he was on his feet . By this time , the corporal was afoot , and presently all the men were in motion .