about ten o’clock
Glenarvan , Robert , and Thalcave , had followed the common example , and lay in profound slumber on their soft couch of lucerne . The worn-out horses had stretched themselves full length on the ground , except Thaouka , who slept standing , true to his high blood , proud in repose as in action , and ready to start at his master 's call . Absolute silence reigned within the inclosure , over which the dying embers of the fire shed a fitful light . However , the Indian 's sleep did not last long ; for about ten o'clock he woke , sat up , and turned his ear toward the plain , listening intently , with half-closed eyes . An uneasy look began to depict itself on his usually impassive face . Had he caught scent of some party of Indian marauders , or of jaguars , water tigers , and other terrible animals that haunt the neighborhood of rivers ? Apparently it was the latter , for he threw a rapid glance on the combustible materials heaped up in the inclosure , and the expression of anxiety on his countenance seemed to deepen .