nearly midnight
The three wagons fell apart and halted wide of the trail where the oak-trees made the blackest shade . The minutes dragged out like hours , and the anxiety for the unprotected group on the bluff made the three men frantic to hurry on . But Jondo 's patience equaled his courage , and he always took the least risk . It was nearly midnight , and every noise was intensified . If a mule but moved it set up a clatter of harness chains that seemed to fill the valley . At last a horseman , coming suddenly from somewhere , rode swiftly by each shadow-hidden wagon , half pausing at the sound of the mules stamping in their places , and then he hurried up the street . `` Three against the crowd .