midnight
These never make their attack until the hours after midnight , as they know well that these are the hours of soundest sleep . The horse-drive of the previous night was an exception , but that had happened because they had drawn near and seen no horse-guard . It was a very unusual case . They knew that we were now on the alert ; and if they had meditated farther mischief , would have attempted it only after midnight hour . We had no apprehensions therefore , and one and all of us being very much fatigued with the day 's hunting afoot , slept soundly . The bank against which we rested was dry and comfortable ; the fire warmed us well , and redoubled our desire for repose . It appears that the doctor fell asleep on his post , or else we might all of us have been better prepared for the invasion that we suffered during that night .