about an hour after midnight
In two minutes he was asleep , but Dick , despite his weariness , had disturbed nerves which refused to let him sleep for a long time . He closed his eyes repeatedly , and then opened them again , merely to see the tethered horses , and beyond them the circle of sentinels , a clear moonlight falling on their rifle barrels . But it was very warm and cosy in the blankets , and he would soon fall asleep again . He was awakened about an hour after midnight to take his turn at the watch , and he noticed that Colonel Winchester was still standing beside one of the fires , but looking very anxious . Dick felt himself on good enough terms , despite his youth , to urge him to take rest . `` I should like to do so , '' replied Colonel Winchester , `` but Dick I tell you , although you must keep it to yourself , that I think we are in some danger . Your glimpse of the flying horsewoman , and the undoubted fact that hundreds of horsemen have crossed the road ahead of us , have made me put two and two together .