nine o'clock
`` They are having a great feast at the village , and it appears that they will make sacrifices to-night , or to-morrow , so that we should approach as close as possible , and if we find that is their intention , prevent it . '' This news stirred all into activity . The column went forward with the utmost caution , although it was dark , and the wagon had to be guided along with great care . The movement proceeded until nine o'clock , and during the night march Muro had arranged a constant line of communication with John , through his runners . A festival was in progress , and the two victims were plainly seen by John when he and Muro went through the grass and inspected the village . The inaction of the whites had entirely disarmed the Tuolos . Indeed , as afterwards learned , they began to think that fear prevented an attack on their village , and no sentinels were posted to warn them of any approaching foe .