about three in the
morning
`` She has perilled her life for me , '' was his sole answer , `` and were there any real peril , mine would be hazarded for her ; but there is none -- 't is but a child 's work we are about to do , not even glory enough to call for envy . '' The fog had sufficiently cleared to permit of their distinguishing the route marked out by Malcolm , but not enough to betray their advance , even had there been scouts set to watch the pass . Not a word passed between them . Rapidly , stealthily they advanced , and about three in the morning stood within sight of their foes , though still unseen themselves . There was little appearance of caution : two large fires had been kindled , round one of which ten or twelve men were stretched their full length , still armed indeed , and their hands clasping their unsheathed swords , but their senses fast locked in slumber . Near the other , her arms and feet pinioned , Alan , with a heart beating almost audibly with indignation , recognized his mother . Two men , armed with clubs , walked up and down beside her , and seven others were grouped in various attitudes at her feet , most of them fast asleep .