two o'clock in the morning
The march onward was now resumed , the old scout forcing Potts to walk between himself and the boys , with his hands tied tightly behind him . `` If you make any noise it will cost you your life , '' said Benson to the prisoner , and thereupon Potts became perfectly mute . To tell the truth the desperado was thoroughly downcast , and his face was filled with despair . They calculated that it was two o'clock in the morning when the heights above Decker 's Falls was gained , a wild spot , from which old Benson had often viewed the fort , miles below , in the valley . The driest possible brush was gathered , and on this were heaped several good-sized limbs , that the fire might burn an hour or two . Quarter of a mile away another similar fire was kindled , and at this spot the boys set off all but one of their remaining rockets . `` There is the answer from the fort ! ''