midnight
The mules rattled on at a jog-trot , while Manuel beguiled the way with untranslatable songs in the vernacular . If Marty asked him a question about the way or the distance or the time , all Manuel said was : `` We reech there preety soon , _ hombre _ -- alla right ! '' By and by they did espy lights ahead . It was then almost midnight . A group of horsemen arose suddenly like shadows out of the mesquite and hailed the driver . '' _ Viva Méjico ! _ '' squalled Manuel before he could pull his mules to a standstill .