nine o'clock
`` Then I shall allow three of my men to remain behind , to lend the stockman and his daughter such assistance as they may want , while Smith and yourselves will take their animals . Now , then , mount . '' We slung our rifles over our shoulders by the means of leather straps , and in a few minutes were cantering across the prairie at an easy gait , and in the direction of the bushrangers ' late retreat . It was near nine o'clock when we reached the edge of the forest , and drew up near the spot where we had entered the day before by the secret path . The stillness of the woods was oppressive ; for not a tree waved its bough , nor did a breath of air sigh over the plain . The night owl alone sent forth its discordant shriek , as though troubled with ominous forebodings regarding its future fate , and was protesting against them . `` This silence is more dreadful than the howling of wolves , '' cried Fred , at length , as he sat in his saddle , and regarded the dark forest before him .