midnight
There were several extra horses in the company , one of which was appropriated by Tom , while he left his own to roam over the plain and reach the fort whenever his disposition should take him in that direction . Colonel Chadmund had taken the precaution to mount all his men upon the best steeds at command , and they were driven into a rapid , telling pace . They made good progress , but when the sun set they had not yet reached a point from which the most distant view of Hurricane Hill could be obtained . A more moderate speed was kept up until midnight , when they went into camp , picketed their animals , and resumed the march at daybreak . The horses were forced to the greatest possible endurance , but never did miles seem so long . It was high noon before a point among the hills on the north was reached from which a fair view of the pile of rocks could be obtained . Colonel Chadmund produced his glass , and scrutinized the towering-like mass , in quest of some sign of the defenders .