midnight
`` There 's some mischief brewing , Ned , '' he said , looking towards the figure , which had apparently changed its mind , and was now walking in a direction which would bring it to the banks of the creek , a little beyond the cattle camp . `` You waken the boys quietly , and tell ` em to be on the look out , and I ` ll follow the old woman and see if I ca n't circumvent her little tricks . '' `` It ai n't the old woman , '' said Kirton , `` it 's the gal . '' `` You be hanged , '' said Fisher , who preferred Mrs. Durham should get the credit for any midnight escapades . `` It 's the old harridan herself , and I ` ll keep my eye on her . '' He slipped to the ground , tied his reins to the stirrup , and the old stock horse , understanding the situation , stood quietly , while his master quickly and quietly followed in the footsteps of the girl , for it was Nellie ; he was sure of that when she came abreast of the camp . She was evidently terribly hurried , and hardly seemed to notice the men and cattle as she passed .