midnight before
It was growing dark as they turned from the shallow water of the lake , the mules following the horses placidly enough , and the lumbering cattle contentedly obeying the call of their masters , and settling themselves down directly to crop the rich rank grasses upon the marshy shores . A short consultation was held now , and the question arose whether they had been observed by Indians , who might come down and try to stampede the cattle . The matter was settled by one-half the men staying to guard them , while the other half went back to fetch up the waggons , the mule-drivers having plenty to do in collecting the burdens that had been kicked off , but which the mules submitted patiently enough to have replaced . Still it was long on towards midnight before the waggons had all been drawn up to the shores of the lake , whose soft moist grasses seemed like paradise to the weary travellers over the desolate , dusty plains ; and no sooner had Bart tethered Black Boy , and seen him contentedly cropping the grass , than , forgetful of Indians , hunger , everything but the fact that he was wearied out , he threw himself down , and in less than a minute he was fast asleep . Waking with the bright sun shining over the waters of the lake , the cattle quietly browsing , and the well-watered horses enjoying a thoroughly good feed , the troubles of the journey over the dreary plain were pretty well forgotten , and as fires were lit and meals prepared , there were bright faces around ready to give the Doctor a genial `` good morning . '' Soon after those on the look-out , while the rest made a hearty meal to prepare them for the toil of the day , announced Indians , and arms were seized , while men stood ready to run to their horses and to protect their cattle . But there was no need for alarm , the new-comers being the Beaver and his followers , who stated that they had come upon signs of Indians , and found that they had been by the mountain within the past day or two .