midnight
But in order that none of the steers might start to stray away , and start a stampede , also in order that no thieves might sneak up in the darkness and `` cut out '' choice cattle , by this very operation also starting a panic , it was necessary to `` ride herd . '' That is , the cowboys , of whom Nort and Dick now counted themselves two , took turns in slowly riding around the bunched cattle during the night hours . As the early hours were always the ones when it was most likely trouble would happen , the two veteran cowboys volunteered for this service , leaving Bud and his cousins to make their beds , such as they were , near the little fire . The boy ranchers would relieve the others after midnight . So , wrapped in their tarpaulins , their heads resting on their saddles , and their feet to the fire , the three boys looked up at the silent stars . They talked in low voices at first , for the voice of man is soothing to cattle . Now and then some cow lowed , or a steer snorted or bellowed .