midnight
The lieutenant had posted his men behind their defence , and I could distinctly hear the tramp of horses ' feet in the distance . The cannon had been placed at the opening in the works prepared for it . The men lay upon the ground behind the defence , with their muskets ready for use . The forest was as silent as at midnight , for the lieutenant had ordered his men not to show themselves till the order to do so was given . I lay upon the ground , looking through a loophole . The officer in command was near me , watching his opportunity . But the savages were wary ; and instead of seeing the whole band , as we had expected , a couple of mounted scouts only appeared .