half past eleven
Dismiss by companies . '' As the drowsy cadets turned back to their company streets there was a buzz of eager , under-toned conversation . Some of the men of the guard threw in enough information so that the main part of the story became known and flew like fire through the camp . When post number three failed to answer at half past eleven Corporal Hasbrouck and a squad of the guard went to that post in double-quick time . Dodge was found to be absent from his post , but his rifle , with bayonet fixed , was securely tied to a near-by bush in the position of `` port arms . '' Dodge simply was not to be found . At one point signs of a scuffle had been found , but the trail , after starting down the slope , soon disappeared .