midnight
His rancho was in a secluded spot , near the road that leads to the rinconada -LSB- Note 1 -RSB- of San Martin . We should find refreshment there ; and , if not a bed , `` at least '' , said Raoul , `` a roof and a petate . '' We should not be likely to meet anyone , as it was ten miles off , and it would be late when we reached it . It _ was _ late -- near midnight -- when we dropped in upon the contrabandista , for such was the friend of Raoul ; but he and his family were still astir , under the light of a very dull wax candle . Jose Antonio -- that was his name -- was a little `` sprung '' at the five bareheaded apparitions that burst so suddenly upon him ; but , recognising Raoul , we were cordially welcomed . Our host was a spare , bony old fellow , in leathern jacket and _ calzoneros _ -LRB- breeches -RRB- , with a keen , shrewd eye , that took in our situation at a single glance , and saved the Frenchman a great deal of explanation . Notwithstanding the cordiality with which his friend received him , I noticed that Raoul seemed uneasy about something as he glanced around the room ; for the rancho , a small cane structure , had only one .