three o'clock
The odometer with which to measure the distance to Prescott was placed in charge of Corporal Henry , and he was told to strap this to the spokes near the hub of the right hind wheel of the last wagon in the train , taking care that the wagon should start from the same point where it had turned from the main road into camp the previous day . He was to report the distance we had marched to the commanding officer at guard-mounting , which , on the march , always takes place in the evening instead of morning , as at posts and permanent camps . After reaching Fort Wingate , and taking up the march beyond , he would ride with the advance , and act as messenger of communication with the rear ; but until then he would ride with his brother and me . The next morning found all ready for a start at three o'clock . The boy corporals found it a hardship to be wakened out of a sound sleep to wash and dress by starlight and sit down to a breakfast-table lighted by dim lanterns . There was little conversation . All stood about the camp-fires in light overcoats or capes , for Western nights are always cool .