midnight
It takes not more than ten seconds to turn a soldier out in the night , fully awake and ready for orders . The knowledge that their lives depend upon their promptness keeps the men in condition for quick obedience . Even the Gatling was ready at the top of the hill . From point to point it was dragged , and wherever it was served the midnight assailants soon drew back . For twenty minutes the conflict was kept up , often at closest quarters . But at last the sounding of the Moro horns in the rear called off the assailants , who fled in the darkness . `` How did this all happen , Mr. Holmes ? ''