midnight
Still there was a measure of uncertainty : the messenger might have lost his way ; there might not have been any physician within call ; accidents might have happened to horse or rider , -- and one hour wore away , followed by another . Against his will , Dell was held under restraint until six o'clock . `` It 's my intention to follow him within an hour , '' said the foreman , as the boy rounded a bluff and disappeared . `` He can build the fire as well as any one , and we 'll return before midnight . That 'll give the doctor the last minute and the benefit of every doubt . '' The foreman 's mount stood saddled , and twilight had settled over the valley , when the occupants of the tent were startled by the neigh of a horse . `` That 's Rowdy , '' said Forrest ; `` he always nickers when he sights a wagon or camp .