midnight
When his scouts late in the day reported a train of twenty-six wagons , he was advised by them that he ought not to attack it with so small a force ; but to this advice he was deaf , rebuking the men for their little faith . He allowed the train to proceed until after dark , and then drew cautiously near . Learning , however , that the drivers were drunk , he had his force lie concealed for a time , fearing that they might prove belligerent and thus compel him to shed blood , which he wished not to do . At midnight the scouts reported that the train was drawn up in two lines for the night and that all was quiet . He mounted his command and ordered an advance . Approaching the camp , they discovered a fact that the scouts had failed to note ; a second train had joined the first , and the little host of Israel was now confronted by twice the anticipated force . This discovery was made too late for them to retire unobserved .