About midnight
It was not exactly a cheering prospect , but we made the best of it . The colonel marched at the head of his men , the doctor at the rear , so that he might assist any unfortunate stragglers , while José and I went forward with the guide . With frequent halts for rest we ploughed our way through the shifting sand , our eyes aching and our throats terribly dry . About midnight , as near as I could judge , the guide stopped irresolutely . `` What is it ? '' asked José , in an excited whisper ; `` what is wrong ? '' We could not see the fellow 's face , but he seemed very agitated , and there was a break in his voice as he answered , -- `` I do n't know -- I am not sure -- but I ca n't be certain that we are on the right track . ''