nine o'clock
We could calculate on eight or ten hours ' start , and by keeping as much as possible on the rocks , might hope to get so high among the mountains that they would not be able to follow our traces and overtake us before we reach a point where they would not dare follow us . In that case , of course we should have to give up all hope of finding the gold valley , and lose the mules with all our belongings , which would cripple us terribly . '' `` Very well , señor ; I think that is the best plan . '' `` Then we will settle to start at nine o'clock , Dias . '' They then discussed the arrangements for the attack . Each was to carry a glowing brand , and when he got there , was to sling his gun behind him and hold twelve squibs in one hand and the brand in the other . When they approached within throwing distance of the savages , they were to lay their guns down beside them , and then Harry was to put the ends of his squibs against his brand , and hurl the whole of them among the Indians .