midnight
They had lost their way , and floundered about in valleys and swamps . Fear still possessed the hearts of more than half their number , and time and time again they were on the point of turning back . But as Sam and his followers watched from the darkness of the woods , the slashers were in better spirits . They were to attack at midnight , and carry off the girl . They discussed their plans for some time , and then curled up near the fire for a short sleep ere beginning the march . The lurking Indians waited patiently until silence reigned around the fire . Then like unleashed hounds they swept forward , each with a musket in one hand and a hunting-axe in the other .