midnight
One was American , the other Mexican . Their story might be straight , but , with all the valor to which they laid claim , it seemed strange to Archer and his officers that two men could break their way through an encircling horde of hostiles such as they described , and hold a hundred fierce Apaches four long hours at bay . Harris was awake , and in highly nervous condition , and begging that he might be allowed to see and question these couriers , but both doctors , regular and contract , said no , not this night . And so , toward midnight , the couriers were permitted to go to bed . The doubled sentries were cautioned to observe the utmost vigilance . The lights were extinguished at the store , by way of telling everybody that neither game nor glass was to be had before the morrow . The general was urged by his devoted adherents , Bonner , Bucketts and Strong , to get such sleep as was possible , and the post was committed to the charge of Lieutenant Briggs , officer of the day .