about midnight
I do n't know how I am going to stand it . '' Now , there was attached to the wagon-train one of those universally despised but useful animals , a donkey , the private property of a man from Iowa , who expected to make it of service in California . The animal was tethered near the camp , and was generally quiet . But to-night he was wakeful , and managed about midnight to slip his tether , and wandered off . Peabody did not observe his escape . His vigilance was somewhat relaxed , and with his head down he gave way to mournful reflection . Suddenly the donkey , who was now but a few rods distant , uplifted his voice in a roar which the night stillness made louder than usual .