midnight
`` It seems to me that our only plan is to fire the hut , and then , each taking a child , to make a rush across to the trees and climb them . The sudden burst of fire will drive them back for a little , and we may make good our retreat to the trees . '' `` What time is it , think you , Boduoc ? '' `` It must be two or three hours past midnight , and if Borgon carried out my instructions help ought to be near at hand . I would that we could let them know of our peril . '' `` There is a cow horn , '' the woman said , pointing to the corner of the hut . `` My husband uses it for calling in the cattle . ''