about three o'clock in the morning
Fortunately the night was clear , while the dawn was not far off , so that I had a great advantage in steering my way . True , I rode at no great pace , being both afraid and unwilling to spur my jaded beast . Now and again I even dismounted and walked at his head to give him some relief . It was perhaps about three o'clock in the morning . A heavy fog had arisen , and I was riding with the greatest care , when suddenly I found a musket pointed straight at me , and heard the demand , `` Halt , or I fire ! '' The man spoke in Spanish , but his accent showed him to be an Indian , and I hoped he was one of Miller 's cavalry detachment . Whistling softly , he was at once joined by a second and a third man , the last of whom sharply ordered me to dismount .