midnight
`` Nor I , '' said Ned . `` I ca n't shoot an enemy from ambush . '' Urrea and the other men at the fire , all of whom were in the dress of officers , were in a deep talk . Ned inferred that the subject must be of much importance , since they sat awake , discussing it between midnight and morning . `` Look beyond the fire at the figures leanin ' against the trees , '' whispered the Panther . Ned looked and hot anger rose in his veins . Ned had not noticed at first , but , since his eyes were growing used to the dim light , and since the Panther had pointed the way , he saw a dozen men , arms bound tightly behind them , leaning against the trees .