about midnight
The Tagnos had been instructed to reach home by different passes , and some of them , more sagacious , were sent by the most circuitous paths . There was no trooper belonging to the Presidio likely to follow that trail . Carlos and his two companions , after riding to the farthest end of the ravine , also turned to the right , and re-entered the valley of San Ildefonso at its lower extremity . It was quite dark , but all of them knew the road well , and about midnight they arrived near the house of the young ranchero . A reconnaissance was necessary before they dared approach . That was soon made , and the report brought back that all was right , and no troopers had yet made their appearance . Carlos once more embraced his mother hurriedly , related what had passed , gave some instructions to Don Juan , and then , mounting his horse , rode off from the place .