about
midnight
There had been no real design on the part of the whites to injure any of the family in their persons ; but , instigated by Joel , they had fancied the occasion favourable for illustrating their own public virtue , while they placed themselves in the way of receiving fortune 's favours . The assault that actually occurred , was one of those uncontrollable outbreakings of Indian ferocity , that have so often set at defiance the restraints of discipline . Nick was not to be found either . He had been last seen dressing his wounds , with Indian patience , and Indian skill , preparing to apply herbs and roots , in quest of which he went into the forest about midnight . As he did not return Willoughby feared that he might be suffering alone , and determined to have a search made , as soon as he had performed the last sad offices for the dead . Two days occurred , however , before this melancholy duty was discharged . The bodies of all the savages who had fallen were interred the morning after the assault ; but that of Jamie Allen , with those of the principal persons of the family , were kept for the pious purposes of affection , until the time mentioned .