four o'clock
-- _ Portia _ . Captain Willoughby knew that the hour which preceded the return of light , was that in which the soldier had the most to apprehend , when in the field . This is the moment when it is usual to attempt surprises ; and it was , in particular , the Indian 's hour of blood . Orders had been left , accordingly , to call him at four o'clock , and to see that all the men of the Hut were afoot , and armed also . Notwithstanding the deserted appearance of the valley , this experienced frontier warrior distrusted the signs of the times ; and he looked forward to the probability of an assault , a little before the return of day , with a degree of concern he would have been sorry to communicate to his wife and daughters . Every emergency had been foreseen , and such a disposition made of the forces , as enabled the major to be useful , in the event of an attack , without exposing himself unnecessarily to the danger of being discovered . He was to have charge of the defence of the rear of the Hut , or that part of the buildings where the windows opened outwards ; and Michael and the two Plinys were assigned him as assistants .